"We're extremely happy to have our spring date moved back into March," LVMS president Chris Powell said in a statement at the time of NASCAR's 2021 schedule release. authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He's also a two-time Talladega victor and finished second in the last superspeedway race these cars have run, finishing 0.06 seconds behind Elliott at Talladega in October. "While we won't be able to have a capacity crowd here in February, we are excited that we can host the Daytona 500 with those in attendance, as well as for the millions who will tune in . From the middle! Of course, there is risk. 6 min read. We hope they enjoy the race on TV. If Hamlin wins his fourth Daytona 500, he will move out of a tie with three other drivers (Jarrett, Jeff Gordon and Bobby Allison) for third place on the all-time victories list and into a tie for second with Cale Yarborough. The 2020 Daytona 500 was the last held without capacity restrictions. Jonathan Ferrey/Stringer/Getty Images. All rights reserved. Perhaps you are one of those people. Policies can be found in the track's "Notice of Risk and Policies" document. 6-keys: media/spln/nascar/reg/free/stories, By pressing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the. https://t.co/1q6T8SL1Zv, Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 13, 2022. He finished second in the Daytona 500 in 2017 and 2020 and won the 400-miler in August 2021. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images). Are there any limits on the number of fans allowed to attend? Coliseum on the weekend of Feb. 6. NASCAR Cup Breaking news 2021 Daytona 500 to have limited fans in attendance NASCAR will begin its 2021 season the way it ended 2020 - with limited fans in attendance. Some reconfiguring of NASCAR's original schedule last month moved the Daytona Road Course race to second in the order and bumped Auto Club Speedway from the lineup completely. The last two NASCAR Cup races at Daytona the road course race in August and the regular-season finale a few weeks later hosted an estimated 10,000 and 25,000 fans, respectively. The 2020 Coke Zero Sugar 400 was held. The 2021 Daytona 500 had just 30,000 in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. Market data provided by Factset. According to Yahoo! The superspeedway can hold over 101,000 people, which sets up the race to be the second-highest attended oval track racing event of the pandemic era behind last year's Indianapolis 500, which ran at 40% capacity with approximately 135,000 tickets sold. Daytona International Speedway announced that the 2021 Daytona 500 will be run with a limited crowd because of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Now its up tothe fans: They must follow the rules and do what they can to keep everyone safe. That amounts to just over 21,000 people at a facility that can seat over 101,500. That includes the Busch Clash on Feb. 9, Daytona 500 qualifying on Feb. 10, qualifying races on Feb. 11, truck race on Feb. 12 and the Xfinty and ARCA races on Feb. 13. Who had a good race: Reigning series champion Zane Smith, who is the points leader this season, has opened the season with a win and a runner-up finish. Now, Hamlin will be aiming to win his fourth Daytona 500 but will face plenty of competition from several of his rivals. The 2021 Daytona 500 was run under health and safety rules that limited attendance to 30,000. . All rights reserved. Costco's March 2023 coupon book contains deals on clothing, food, and more, {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. The Daytona 500 will be the first official race to feature the Next Gen Cup Series cars that debuted at the exhibition Clash at the Coliseum. If you missed the news, Johnson is back in NASCAR on a part-time basis this season. -- Scott Symmes, Jimmie Johnson to win (+4000): We can't make superspeedway predictions without at least one long shot. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This year's event, like most sporting events, will see a limited attendance due to the. Fans who purchased tickets are also able to defer orders to the 2022 Spring event (date TBA). Who had a bad race:John Hunter Nemechek and Hailie Deegan were involved in a crash on the final lap of the second stage. It's Tiffany Haddish!" Johnson is back after retiring from full-time NASCAR racing in 2020, having spent the past two seasons in the IndyCar paddock. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This was the longest Daytona 500 in history going 530 miles. Villeneuve, also the 1995 Indy 500 winner is the first F1 driver to tackle NASCAR's premier race since Juan Pablo Montoya and Scott Speed in 2013. Throughout 15 years in the Cup Series, McDowell has earned only seven top-five finishes and all but one of those have come at Daytona and Talladega. Like everything else, Daytona Speedweeks and the Great American Race are different this year. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). Have something to tell us about this article? Hes spoken with several members of our team and is understandably disappointed to miss time in the car. Even with low attendance, this will be the largest American sporting event since the coronavirus seized control of our lives, with people in attendance from across the country. All rights reserved. ET Saturday at the track. This year's edition of the Daytona 500 is of particular interest to NASCAR fans as it marks the official competitive debut of the all-new Next Gen Cup Series car, which was first used in the exhibition Clash at the Coliseum in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Feb. 6 that was won by Joey Logano. Austin Hill won at Daytona. Tom Gatto. Busch is competing in all three national series races this weekend at Las Vegas. Legal Statement. Will 2023 IndyCar season see a changing of the guard? It means the Floridian oval is at capacity - which is about 123,500 seats in the grandstand on. Date, start time, TV schedule for race & qualifying. Chase Elliott (leg) to miss Las Vegas Cup Series race, Top NASCAR experts reveal 2023 Pennzoil 400 picks, 2023 Pennzoil 400 predictions, odds, sims, picks, Legendary NASCAR expert reveals Pennzoil 400 picks, NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas: How to watch, picks, NASCAR changes package for short tracks, road courses. Mac spends countless hours in the Ford simulator and watching film paired with onboard data, for no reason other than to win one race, the Daytona 500. The race to open the 2021 NASCAR season is scheduled for Feb. 14. The speedway holds101,500 spectators, but officials announced in December there would be limited fans. Here's what it . It's his only career victory, and he backed that up with a seventh-place finish one year ago. 84 Chevy of Legacy MC (Motor Club), after purchasing Richard Petty's team. Dude is fast, he is smart and if he can avoid the Big One (he's crashed out at Daytona five times) then he is almost guaranteed to be in the battle for the win when the white flag is shown. All Rights Reserved. Following the resumption of the 2020 season, Daytona played host to both the Go Bowling 235 (road course) and the Coke Zero Sugar 400 (oval) Cup Series races with limited attendance in August. If you saw how Walter White whipped that RV around running from the police, perhaps he should enter a car in the ARCA race, too. In the 2021 Daytona 500, he ran inside the top 15 for 99.5% of the laps run and nearly snuck by Michael McDowell for the win when chaos erupted on the last lap. Two years ago, Almirola had a car strong enough to win one of the 150-mile duels, but his 500 ended in heartbreak when he was taken out in a crash on Lap 15. A frequent concern from NASCAR drivers throughout the 2020 season was that the lack of fans in attendance for most races did a number on the atmosphere that they usually experience on race day. Xfinity teams must use the same car this weekend as they raced at Auto Club Speedway or start at the rear of the field. "What an incredible way to begin Speedweeks Presented By AdventHealth by announcing that we have completely sold out of the NASCAR Cup Series season-opening DAYTONA 500," Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher said in a release. Of course, the COVID-19 virus is still lingering around like a stubborn blemish that refuses to go away. Busch looked great in his Thursday night Duel 150 before he was wrecked out by contact with Daniel Suarez. Denny Hamlin can make history!" The Daytona 500 attendance in 2021 will be limited to just 21 percent of maximum capacity. Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. It would behoove us all to believe he can totally do it again. "Hey, I think these new Chevy noses are really working!" It means the Floridian oval is at capacity which is about 123,500 seats in the grandstand on the front-stretch. NASCAR's season unofficially kicks off with the exhibition Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, which is being run on a temporary quarter-mile track that's been built inside the L.A. Reigning series champion Zane Smith, who won the season opener at Daytona, finished second. The only F1 driver to win the Daytona 500 was Mario Andretti in 1967 11 years before he claimed the world title in 1978. From 1995-2020, U.S. television ratings for the Daytona 500 have been the highest for any auto race of the year, surpassing the traditional leader, the Indianapolis 500 which in turn greatly surpasses the Daytona 500 in in-track attendance and international viewing; however, in 2021 the Indianapolis 500 surpassed the Daytona 500 in TV ratings . Both races will be broadcast on FOX. The Daytona 500 attendance in 2021 will be limited to just 21 percent of maximum capacity. They may not know the difference between a lug nut and a walnut. Its the race every driver dreams of winning, such is the prestige and history in being able to call yourself a Daytona 500 winner.. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 4:09 pm ET. Kyle Busch (180.156) qualified 11th. or redistributed. That's because while NASCAR is back, so is COVID-19. "The Great American Race will once again have the aura and atmosphere that fans have come to know and love. Your login session has expired. Earlier this week, Daytona International Speedway announced the 2022 Daytona 500 was a sell-out. Bristol Motor Speedway announced that the track had reached its socially-distanced grandstand capacity for its dirt race on March 28. Fans are able to place ticket deposits online, but an announcement should be forthcoming from the speedway regarding seating. Atlanta Motor Speedway has not released an official update on limited seating, but General Manager Brandon Hutchison said in a video released in December that the track expects to host fans in a "limited, socially distanced capacity" for the Cup race on March 21. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). Complete safety protocols, which include a mandatory temperature check and health screening, mask-wearing while in the facility and social distancing between groups, can also be found on the speedway website. It was the first race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series. In other news, Costco's March 2023 coupon book contains deals on clothing, food, and more. Obviously, the track authorities will try everything in their power to ensure a safe environment for all. After the race at the LA Coliseum, there is the official season-opening race, the iconic Daytona 500. (The 1960 race, the second 500, had an official attendance of 38,775.) Much like Sunday's Super Bowl, though, we are well aware that many people will tune into this weekend's Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing who won't watch another race this year. But how many fans are in attendance at the superspeedway in 2022 for the Daytona 500? Phoenix Raceway, where attendance was limited to 20% capacity for the championship race in November, announced that the track will again host limited fans. Attendance at the 2021 Daytona 500 won by Michael McDowell was limited to 30%. The track also confirmed that a re-seating process for fans who already have bought tickets will take place to ensure social distancing between groups. In 2022 however, there are no limits on the number of fans that are attending the Daytona 500. A lot of us here are hoping that maybe we'll get another surprising visit before the weekend is up -- Frankie's TV dad, Bryan Cranston. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. While we wont be able to have a capacity crowd here in February, we are excited that we can host the DAYTONA 500 with those in attendance, as well as for the millions who will tune in live on FOX. Hendrick Motorsports has had lots of speed in the Daytona 500, but hasn't had a winner since 2014. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Las Vegas Xfinity starting lineup: Chandler Smith wins pole, announced that the 2021 Daytona 500 will be run with a limited crowd, 1:35 2:20 p.m. Cup practice (FS2, switches to FS1 at 2 p.m.), 4:30 p.m. Xfinity race (200 laps, 300 miles; FS1, Performance Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). He ran two races for Spire Motorsports in 2021. 2021 Daytona 500 to have limited fans in attendance NASCAR will begin its 2021 season the way it ended 2020 - with limited fans in attendance. NASCARs most famous race takes place today as the Daytona 500 opens the 2022 Cup Series season. We know, however, that Daytona International Speedway won't be at full capacity for the 63rd running of NASCAR's iconic season-opening race, scheduled for February 14. Daytona 500 attendance is limited. Fans at the Daytona 500 will mostly stay spread out in the grandstand, while all in attendance would also requirehealth screenings, temperature checks and face-coverings. Of course, he has our full support, and well provide any resources he needs. The 2021 Daytona 500 is expected to have about 30,000 fans in attendance at the Feb. 14 race. Admittedly, we are going into this race blind. More:Fact check: Image does not show Tampa mayor violating Super Bowl mask mandate. Almirola has two Cup wins on superspeedways and 13 combined top-10s at Daytona and Talladega, so he does have a track record of success. The leader is His Royal Fastness Richard Petty with seven. NASCAR has yet to publicly announce the expected Daytona 500 attendance for Sunday's race but the 2019 event held at the track's road course on Aug. 16 saw an estimated 10,000 people attend, as per the Daytona Beach Journal. The victory is Buschs 63rd in the Truck Series and his fourth series win at his hometown track. Although the Speedway doesn't release official attendance figures, the event was on track to outpace the 2021 edition that unfolded with restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as pre . The NASCAR Cup Series will open its 73rd season on Valentine's Day 2021 with the 63rd running of the Daytona 500 . CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nascar | pageType: stories | The 2022 Daytona 500 is of particular significance as it will mark the official debut of the all-new seventh generation NASCAR Cup Series car, which was tested at the track this week. Jake Garcia was the top-finishing rookie, placing 10th. we are excited that we can host the Daytona 500 with those in attendance, as well as for the millions who will tune in live on FOX." . Deegan could not continue and finished 32nd. 2022 DAYTONA 500 Tickets on Sale Now June 9, 2021 Tickets Start at $99 For 64th running of The Great American Race Fully Open Frontstretch Seating, Camping, Hospitality and Beloved Pre-Race Experiences Debut of Much Anticipated NASCAR Next Gen Car Benefits of Extended Stay Infield Camping Packages Elliott has finished in the top 10 in four of the past five races at the track, including a pair of runner-ups, and he's been a staple at the front of the field. Kyle Busch, who started on the pole, led 84 of 134 laps to win Friday nights NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Villeneuve, also the 1995 Indy 500 winner is the first F1 driver to tackle NASCARs premier race since Juan Pablo Montoya and Scott Speed in 2013. The Daytona 500 attendance in 2021 will be limited to just 21 percent of maximum capacity. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Dhruv George is a senior Motorsports author for EssentiallySports, having Follow along for updates from the 2021 Daytona 500 here. Speedway officials have taken significant steps to ensure the sold-out race doesnt become a super-spreader event. Daytona track president said yesterday no capacity limits the protocols will be same as they were in August must wear a mask if indoors. The 2020 Daytona 500 was the last held without capacity restrictions. From the pageantry of our pre-race festivities to the rumble of 40 engines roaring around the high banks, it's the biggest stage in motorsports.". at -- Ryan McGee, Chase Elliott to win (+1200): Elliott has yet to break through at Daytona, but he has knocked on the door a lot -- especially lately. The exhibition race features around 20 of the top drivers. Race Timings for NASCAR Cup, Truck, Xfinity and ARCA Series, Full Spectrum Services LLP 2022 | All Rights Reserved. Elsewhere, the 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve will start his first Daytona 500. The Daytona 500 is many things. daytona beach, fla. The Daytona International Speedway announced on Wednesday that the 2021 Daytona 500 will be held with a limited number of fans in attendance. In the 2021 Daytona 500, he ran inside the top 15 for 99.5% of the laps run and nearly snuck by Michael McDowell for the win when chaos erupted on the last lap. Best finish: 2nd, 2021, If it makes them feel any better, no one on this list is even close to the likes of Terry Labonte, who was 0-for-32, Ricky Rudd (0-for-29), Mark Martin (0-for-29) -- Labonte, Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart are a combined 0-for-64. Joining them will be Conor Daly, whom you know from IndyCar and also his fourth-place finish in the 30th season of The Amazing Race. The Speedway said that the reseating process is underway and expects to have information sent to fans who previously purchased tickets this week. That's because while NASCAR is back, so is COVID-19. "It's better for our fans, partners and everyone involved with our event to have a little separation from the Daytona 500. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images). There is much buzz in the garage about Ross Chastain, whom you know from his Hail Melon move at Martinsville Speedway last fall, although he hasn't made a lot of noise during Speedweek other than announcing a big contract extension with Trackhouse Racing. Stroll to race in Bahrain after missing F1 testing, AlphaTauri denies talk of sale by Red Bull, Everything you need to know about F1's 2023 season, Bahrain rights group urges F1 drivers to speak up, Dale vs. Dale: A Daytona 500 the Jarretts, NASCAR won't forget, NASCAR's 2023 season will be a year of change, Harvick will leave incomparable legacy that goes beyond rookie year, his Hail Melon move at Martinsville Speedway last fall, announcing a big contract extension with Trackhouse Racing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com. He'll run a part-time schedule this season as a driver/owner, behind the wheel of the No. Even Hamlins own teammates will try and get in on the action, and the likes of Team Penske and Stewart-Haas wont be far behind. But attendance will be less than a third of normal which could make it the smallest official crowd in the races history. I have no idea if she is a car person, but she did graduate from El Camino Real High School. However, fan attendance is still limited for the Cup race Feb 21. Grandstand. Where are F1 2023 absentees Vettel, Ricciardo and Schumacher? Daytona weather could be deciding factor in Daytona 500. The 2021 Daytona 500 will have fans in attendance; how many remains to be determined. Best finish: 7th, 2016 and 2019 More:Speedway, NASCAR find ways to boost Daytona economy during COVID pandemic. While the International Speedway Corporation does not release the official attendance figures, an estimated 250,000 fans attend the Daytona 500 each February. Feel free to print it out, keep a cheat sheet in your pocket and randomly blurt out fact and figures to impress your friends as you watch the Great American Race. 2023 www.news-journalonline.com. Feb 14, 2021; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series drivers Denny Hamlin (11), Kyle Busch (18), Martin Truex Jr. (19) and Bubba Wallace (23) during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Legal Statement. The Daytona 500 is one of the most historic races in NASCAR history. DAYTONA SPEEDWEEKS: NASCAR motors on with one eye on road, another on the radar. With the new variant plaguing the world, there are concerns about Daytona International Speedways attendance. Speaking of the future NASCAR Hall of Famer Martin Truex Jr.: 31 career wins, 0-for-18 in Daytona 500. A simple math equation would suggest the race should take 2.5 hours of straight driving, but with pitstops, cautions and possible weather . Legal Statement. Those with a participating TV provider can also watch online and on smart devices using the FOX Sports app. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The track did not host fans for its last Cup race in September and no update has been provided on whether entry will be limited for the race on March 7.