Why Hélio Castroneves will attempt Daytona 500 qualifying despite having spot in race
NASCAR returns this week with the 67th running of the Daytona 500.
There is a possibility of the Cup Series’ prestigious race fielding 41 cars this year under a new “open exemption provisional.” This rule change guarantees Hélio Castroneves a spot in the race, but the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner wouldn’t earn prize money, championship points or playoff eligibility if he gets to Victory Lane.
But should Castroneves successfully qualify for the Daytona 500 as an open car, the race will only have 40 cars, leaving five open cars out of the race. If the world-class driver doesn’t qualify and uses the provisional, then it will be a 41-car field and four open cars will miss the race.
Nine open drivers — Castroneves, Anthony Alfredo, Justin Allgaier, Jimmie Johnson, Corey LaJoie, B.J. McLeod, Chandler Smith, Martin Truex Jr., JJ Yeley — are expected to compete for the final spots in the Great American Race during qualifying on Wednesday night.
Full schedule for the 2025 Daytona 500 speedweek
All times are Eastern.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
▪ 10:05 a.m.: First Cup Series practice. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR.
▪ 8:15 p.m.: Cup Series qualifying for Sunday’s Daytona 500. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR.
Thursday, Feb. 13
▪ 4:05 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series practice. No TV.
▪ 5:05 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series practice. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR.
▪ 7 p.m.: Cup Series Duel 1. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR.
▪ 8:45 p.m. (approx.): Cup Series Duel 2. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR.
Friday, Feb. 14
▪ 1:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series qualifying. No TV.
▪ 3 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series qualifying. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN.
▪ 4:35 p.m.: Xfinity Series practice. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN.
▪ 5:35 p.m.: Cup Series’ second practice. Watch on FS1; Listen on MRN.
▪ 7:30 p.m.: Craftsman Truck Series race: Fresh from Florida 250. Watch on FS1. Listen on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR.
Saturday, Feb. 15
▪ 10 a.m.: Xfinity Series qualifying. Watch on the CW.
▪ Noon: ARCA Menards Series race: Chili’s Ride the ‘Dente 200. Watch on FOX; Listen on MRN.
▪ 3:05 p.m.: Cup Series’ third practice. Watch on FS2; Listen on MRN.
▪ 5 p.m.: Xfinity Series race: United Rentals 300. Watch on the CW; Listen on MRN.
Sunday, Feb. 16
▪ 2:30 p.m.: Cup Series race: Daytona 500. Watch on FOX; Listen on MRN.
Who are the favorites in NASCAR’s biggest race? Daytona 500 odds
Kyle Larson is the favorite to win the Daytona 500 at +1,000 odds, according to DraftKings Sportsbook late Sunday, followed by Kyle Busch (+1,100), Denny Hamlin (+1,100), Ryan Blaney (+1,200), Joey Logano (+1,200) and Chase Elliott (+1,200).
How to watch and stream the Daytona 500
