Single-Car Qualifying and Duel Races Shape the Lineup
The Daytona 500 is always a spectacle, and 2025 is no different. As a lifelong 500 fan, I can’t wait to see NASCAR’s best battle it out. Whether you’re trackside or watching from home, this race never disappoints. Enhanced fan graphics from motorsport media outlets make the action even better for TV viewers.
How the Field Is Determined
The Daytona 500 features 40 cars, with 36 spots secured by Chartered entries. Their starting positions depend on single-car qualifying and the Duel races. The remaining four spots go to non-Chartered, or Open, cars.
Two Open cars secure their place based on single-car qualifying times. The other two spots go to the highest-finishing Open cars in the Duel races. A new rule in 2025, the Open Exemption Provisional, allows NASCAR to grant a special entry. If needed, Hélio Castroneves will receive this provisional, ensuring his place in the race for the first time in 2025.
Single-Car Qualifying
Single-car qualifying happens Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. Drivers take one timed lap around the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway. The 10 fastest advance to Round 2, where they compete for pole position.
The top two from the final round lock in the front row for the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 16 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX). The rest of the field will be set by Thursday’s Duel races (7 p.m. ET, FS1).
How the Duel Races Work
The Duel races, each 60 laps and 150 miles, finalize positions 3 through 40. The first Duel sets the inside rows, while the second Duel sets the outside rows. This format ensures exciting side-by-side racing leading up to the main event.
Duel 1 kicks off Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. ET, with Duel 2 following at 8:45 p.m. ET (both on FS1). Expect intense battles as drivers fight for prime starting positions.
The Stage Is Set
With the field set through this thrilling process, the 2025 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be another legendary race. Whether you’re watching from the stands or your living room, buckle up—this is going to be epic.
Click HERE for full 2025 NASCAR Daytona 500 Event Schedule
IMAGES: NASCAR
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