2025 Daytona 500: The Great American Race
The Daytona 500 Kicks Off the Season in Style
The 2025 Daytona 500 is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in NASCAR history as the best drivers in the world prepare to battle for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. Dubbed the "Great American Race," Daytona is more than just the season opener—it’s a proving ground where legacies are cemented, underdogs become legends, and the fine line between victory and heartbreak is often measured in inches. With the stakes higher than ever, teams have spent months fine-tuning their machines, strategizing for the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing, and preparing for the 200-lap chess match that will unfold at Daytona International Speedway.
New Paint Schemes
The first NASCAR race of the season debuts new paint schemes, bringing a fresh look to the field as drivers take their first laps of the year. From bold sponsor rebrands to intricate designs that reflect team identities, these liveries set the tone for the season ahead.
Denny Hamlin is rolling into Daytona with his No.11 Toyota, featuring the red, white and blue colors of his multi-race primary sponsor, National Debt Relief. Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, and the Joe Gibbs Racing team will be looking to start the season off with a win and a chase for the cup.
Seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson is back for another Daytona 500, but this time, with a unique paint scheme inspired by basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal. The No. 84 Toyota showcases a bold design that pays homage to Shaq's iconic presence, featuring elements reminiscent of his basketball career.
Justin Allgaier will take to the track in a car that blends racing heritage with country music roots—the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet. The eye-catching livery, featuring rich earthy tones and a bold Traveller Whiskey logo, pays tribute to the premium bourbon brand co-founded by country music star Chris Stapleton.
Drivers to Watch in the 2025 Daytona 500
Kyle Busch
Two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch is entering his 20th Daytona 500, and there’s one glaring hole in his résumé—he hasn’t won it yet. Much like Dale Earnhardt, who finally won the 500 after 20 tries, Busch is desperate to seal the deal this year. With his aggressive driving style and knack for superspeedway racing, he’s a serious contender.
Denny Hamlin
If there’s one driver you can’t ignore at Daytona, it’s Denny Hamlin. With three Daytona 500 wins under his belt, Hamlin is a master of superspeedway racing and strategic drafting. His No. 11 Toyota looks fast standing still, and you can bet he’ll be up front when it matters most.
Joey Logano
Coming off his 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship, Joey Logano enters the 2025 Daytona 500 with momentum, confidence, and a proven ability to perform under pressure. A Daytona 500 winner in 2015 and now a three-time Cup Series champion, Logano has firmly established himself as one of the most dominant drivers of his generation, particularly on superspeedways.
Justin Allgaier
As JR Motorsports makes its long-awaited push into the NASCAR Cup Series, Justin Allgaier finds himself at the center of the team’s quest to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500. A proven talent in the Xfinity Series, Allgaier brings years of experience and superspeedway savvy, but securing a spot in NASCAR’s biggest race is no easy feat.
Who Will Stand Tall at Daytona?
With a mix of seasoned champions, rising stars, and unpredictable racing, the 2025 Daytona 500 is set to deliver a spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The drafting duels, strategic pit stops, and nail-biting final laps will test the nerves of every driver in the field, with one ultimately emerging as the next Daytona 500 champion. Whether it’s a veteran adding to their legacy, a young talent breaking through, or an underdog shocking the world, history is waiting to be written. As the engines roar to life and the green flag waves, all eyes will be on Daytona Beach, Florida, for the race that defines a NASCAR season and, for some, an entire career.