The 2017 NASCAR season will feature several big changes, including scantily-clad Monster Energy Girls, but one thing remains the same: everything begins with the Daytona 500.
Leading up to NASCAR’s Super Bowl will be plenty of practice, qualifying and qualifying races. So, when is the Daytona 500?
Here are the key dates, times and a look at the complete Daytona 500 schedule for 2017.
What time is the Daytona 500?
The 2017 Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. ET. The race is 500 miles long, or 200 laps around Daytona International Speedway.
Daytona 500 schedule
(all times ET)
Thursday, Feb. 23
Noon-12:55 p.m.: Cup Series first duels practice (FS1)
1-1:55 p.m.: Cup Series second duels practice (FS1)
2-2:55 p.m.: Truck Series first practice (FS1)
4-4:55 p.m.: Truck Series final practice (FS1)
7 p.m.: First Can-Am Duel race (60 laps, 150 miles on FS1)
9 p.m. (approx.): Second Can-Am Duel race (60 laps, 150 miles on FS1)
Friday, Feb. 24
Noon-12:55 p.m.: Xfinity Series first practice (FS1)
1-1:55 p.m.: Cup Series Daytona 500 practice (FS1)
2-2:55 p.m.: Xfinity Series final practice (FS1)
3-3:55 p.m.: Cup Series Daytona 500 practice (FS1)
4:30 p.m.: Truck Series qualifying (FS1)
7:30 p.m.: Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 (100 laps, 250 miles on FS1)
Saturday, Feb. 25
10:30 a.m.: Xfinity Series qualifying (FS1)
1-1:55 p.m.: Cup Series Daytona 500 final practice (FS1)
3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Powershares QQQ 300 (120 laps, 300 miles on FS1)
Sunday, Feb. 26
2 p.m.: Daytona 500 (Fox)
TV channel, live stream for Daytona 500
Fox will begin its Daytona 500 broadcast at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The race will also be streamed live on the Fox Sports GO app.
What are the Daytona 500 stage lengths?
New this season, the Daytona 500 will consist of two 60-lap stages, followed by a final 80-lap stage to make up the 200 scheduled laps. At the conclusion of Stage 1 and Stage 2, there will be a caution period for drivers to come down pit road if they choose. Green-flag restarts will begin the next segment. The top-10 finishers in each stage will be awarded additional championship points.
Daytona 500 starting lineup
Below is the starting lineup for the Daytona 500:
1. Chase Elliott
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3. Jamie McMurray
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Brad Keselowski
8. Kurt Busch
9. Matt Kenseth
10. AJ Allmendinger
11. Trevor Bayne
12. Austin Dillon
13. Martin Truex Jr.
14. Danica Patrick
15. Aric Almirola
16. Ryan Newman
17. Joey Logano
18. Kyle Larson
19. Cole Whitt
20. Ty Dillon
21. Daniel Suarez
22. David Ragan
23. Kyle Busch
24. Michael McDowell
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
26. Jimmie Johnson
27. Matt DiBenedetto
28. Kasey Kahne
29. Landon Cassill
30. D.J. Kennington
31. Chris Buescher
32. Michael Waltrip
33. Joey Gase
34. Jeffrey Earnhardt
35. Corey LaJoie
36. Erik Jones
37. Paul Menard
38. Ryan Blaney
39. Brendan Gaughan
40. Elliott Sadler