The Daytona 500 is the biggest race in NASCAR. Every year, thousands of fans head to Daytona International Speedway in Florida to watch the season opener. Millions more tune in from around the world.
If you are wondering what time the Daytona 500 starts in 2025, where to watch it and how to stream it, this guide has you covered.
2025 Daytona 500 Date, Time & Location
The 2025 Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The race is set to begin at 2:30 PM Eastern Time (ET).
It will be held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The track is a 2.5-mile superspeedway known for its high speeds and intense competition.
Daytona 500 Start Times in U.S. Time Zones
Since the United States has multiple time zones, the start time of the Daytona 500 will be different depending on where you live. Here’s a breakdown:
- Eastern Time (ET): 2:30 PM
- Central Time (CT): 1:30 PM
- Mountain Time (MT): 12:30 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 11:30 AM
- Alaska Time (AKT): 10:30 AM
- Hawaii Time (HST): 9:30 AM
Daytona 500 Kickoff Times in Different Countries
If you’re watching from outside the U.S., here’s when the race starts in your region:
- United Kingdom (GMT): 7:30 PM
- Germany (CET): 8:30 PM
- France (CET): 8:30 PM
- Italy (CET): 8:30 PM
- India (IST): 1:00 AM (Monday)
- China (CST): 3:30 AM (Monday)
- Japan (JST): 4:30 AM (Monday)
- Australia (AEDT): 6:30 AM (Monday)
- New Zealand (NZDT): 8:30 AM (Monday)
2025 Daytona 500 TV Schedule
The Daytona 500 is not just about the main event. There are multiple practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and support races leading up to race day.
Wednesday, February 12
- 10:05 AM – 10:55 AM ET: NASCAR Cup Series Practice (FS1)
- 8:15 PM ET: Single-Car Qualifying (FS1)
Thursday, February 13
- 7:00 PM ET: Duel #1 (60 laps) (FS1)
- 8:45 PM ET: Duel #2 (60 laps) (FS1)
Friday, February 14
- 5:35 PM – 6:25 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series Final Practice (FS1)
- 7:30 PM ET: NASCAR Truck Series Race (FS1)
Saturday, February 15
- 12:00 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series Race (FOX)
- 5:00 PM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series Race (The CW)
Sunday, February 16 – Daytona 500 Race Day
- 12:30 PM ET: NASCAR RaceDay Pre-Race Show (FOX)
- 2:30 PM ET: Daytona 500 Main Event (FOX & FOX Deportes)
What time does the Daytona 500 end?
The Daytona 500 usually lasts 3.5 to 4 hours. With a 2:30 PM ET start, it should end around 6:00 – 6:30 PM ET. Overtime could push it to 7:00 PM ET.
Where to Watch Daytona 500 2025? TV Channel & Live Stream Options
The 2025 Daytona 500 will be broadcast live on FOX in the United States. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage.
For fans in Canada, the race will air on TSN (English) and RDS (French).
In the United Kingdom, the race will be available on Viaplay Sports. Fans in Australia can watch via Kayo Sports and Fox Sports Australia.
If you want to stream the Daytona 500 live, here are your best options:
- FOX Sports App – Requires cable login
- fuboTV – Offers a 7-day free trial
- Hulu + Live TV – Includes FOX in its package
- Sling TV (Blue Package) – A budget-friendly way to stream FOX
- YouTube TV – Provides live FOX Sports access
- DirecTV Stream – Another option for FOX coverage
For international viewers, platforms like Viaplay, DAZN, and Kayo Sports offer coverage in selected regions.
How to Watch the Daytona 500 for Free?
If you don’t have a cable subscription, you can still watch the race for free by signing up for fuboTV, YouTube TV, or Kayo Sports’ free trial. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Who Won the Daytona 500 in 2024?
In 2024, William Byron won the Daytona 500. He secured his first Daytona 500 victory in dramatic fashion, finishing under caution after a last-lap wreck.
His teammate Alex Bowman finished second, marking a 1-2 finish for Hendrick Motorsports.
This win was a historic moment for Hendrick Motorsports, as it was their first Daytona 500 win since 2014. You also check: Daytona 500 Winners List.
How to Buy Daytona 500 2025 Tickets?
Tickets for the 2025 Daytona 500 are officially sold out for grandstand seating and camping. However, there are still ways to secure a ticket.
Official Sources: Visit the Daytona International Speedway website to check for any last-minute ticket availability.
Resale Market: If you can’t find tickets through official sources, check:
- Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com)
- StubHub (stubhub.com)
- Vivid Seats (vividseats.com)
VIP Packages: On Location, NASCAR’s official travel provider, offers VIP experiences with premium seating, hotel stays, and exclusive access.
The Daytona 500 is more than just a race. It’s a spectacle that kicks off the NASCAR season with high-speed action, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments.
If you’re planning to watch live or stream the race, this guide has everything you need. Be sure to check your local listings and grab your streaming subscription in advance.
Who do you think will win the 2025 Daytona 500? Drop your predictions below!