The 66th running of the Daytona 500 took place in Daytona Florida Monday, Feb. 19.
The event is touted as NASCAR’s biggest race.
“NASCAR, or the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, is the premier racing series in the United States,” NASCAR.com said
NASCAR consists of three national series as well as several smaller series. The lowest tier is the Craftsman Truck series. Drivers are typically less experienced and the trucks they race are styled after pickups that are seen on the road. Races are typically held on Fridays or Saturdays
The next tier is the NASCAR Xfinity series. The drivers in this series are more experienced and drive race cars styled after sports cars. The races are typically 200-300 laps and are usually held on Saturdays.
Finally, the top series, The NASCAR Cup Series, is the main event, where the most experienced drivers battle it out for 300-500 laps in race cars that look like muscle cars and sedans. The races are usually held on Sunday afternoons.
By far the biggest race of the NASCAR season is the Daytona 500. The race is a 500-mile battle for first place around a 2.5-mile track. The track is so large that there has been rain in one corner, and sunshine in another.
At the Daytona 500, any driver has the opportunity to take the checkered flag. In the 2024 running, William Byron, driving the #24 car took the flag after battling from the rear.
West Side Primary principal Scott Dewar has been a fan of the racing series for a long time.
“I have always been a racing fan. My dad was a successful drag racer and engine builder while I was growing up. I remember watching the first televised Daytona 500 with my dad when I was 10 years old and still watch it to this day,” Dewar said.
NASCAR can create new traditions for friends and families who choose to watch. Fans can bet on their favorite drivers and root for whole teams. Many teams own three or four different cars, furthering a fan’s chances of winning.
“I always root for the Chevrolets and typically Rick Hendrick Motorsports drivers, which include my favorite drivers, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson,” Dewar said.
NASCAR is a very popular sport in the South, but through the years, it has grown and is enjoyed by fans all across the world.
“NASCAR has come a long way in expanding its territory, What used to be just a southeastern US regional sport has expanded throughout the US and across the world,” Dewar said.
For students too, NASCAR has created lasting memories.
“I have good memories of watching NASCAR with my aunt at her house. We always cheered for the M&M car,” senior Whittleigh Trusty said.
With a long season ahead, many fans are looking forward to attending races and watching on TV.
“I have been to several NASCAR races in person in Nashville and Talladega. These events have a very fan-friendly experience,” Dewar said.
