Daytona 500 2021 qualifying | watch live, time, odds, venue

February 14, 2021 TORIT

THIS IS THE DAYTONA 500!

To be here and witness the DAYTONA 500, in person, is to take part in something iconic and momentous. This is the race where a victory is life-changing and career-defining. Every moment means more here, creating a significance and unpredictability that amplifies the experience for both the drivers and fans alike. Fans visit from around the world to be a part of this prestigious event. The energy, excitement, and power of being here live will stay with you for a lifetime.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 DAYTONA 500 and Speed weeks Presented By Advent Health events will look a little different. We continue to work with our local, state, and health officials regarding fan attendance during Speed weeks. At this time, we plan to implement procedures to safely host fans for the 2021 DAYTONA 500 and Speed weeks events, including limiting venue capacity to allow for socially distanced seating.

While the stands may not be 101,500 strong, one truth remains: we are as committed as ever to delivering a best-in-class experience at the World Center of Racing for The Great American Race. From the awe of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover, to the rumble of 40 engines roaring around the high banks on the biggest stage in motorsports – the DAYTONA 500 is sure to once again deliver the pageantry, thrills, and drama for all fans, especially those able to attend in person.

HISTORY IS ALWAYS MADE AT THE DAYTONA 500!

It’s the Great American Race. One of sport’s biggest stages. Where traditions are handed down from generation to generation. Where a victory is career-defining. But this February will be unique. The stands may not be 101,000 strong, but we’ll still hear the roar of our crowd, feel the heightened intensity and excitement, yell those most famous words, forge unforgettable memories and we’ll still crown a DAYTONA 500 champion. Although 2021 will look a little different, history is always made at the DAYTONA 500.

When is Daytona 500 in 2021?

Date: Sunday, Feb. 14
Start time: 2:30 p.m. ET
TV network: Fox
Live stream: Fox Sports Go, (Click to watch live)

NASCAR lists the Daytona 500 start time as 2:30 p.m.; in fact, that is the start time for Fox’s race telecast. The green flag figures to drop around 3 p.m. ET, weather permitting.

Daytona 500 2021 qualifying

NASCAR employs a one-of-a-kind format to set the field for its premier event. It begins with pole qualifying. The drivers who finish 1-2 in this session are locked into the front row for the race.

The full pole qualifying results are used to organize Phase 2, the Duel races. Drivers who qualify in odd-numbered positions (first, third and so on) will race in the first Duel. Drivers who qualify in even-numbered spots (second, fourth, and so on) will race in the second Duel. Each race is 150 miles long (60 laps).

The results of the first Duel race will set the inside row of the Daytona 500 field; the results of the second Duel race will set the outside row.

NASCAR had not released an official entry list for the 2021 Daytona 500 as of Feb. 4. What is certain is that the series’ 36 “charter” teams are guaranteed spots in the 40-car field and a group of “open” teams will compete for the remaining four spots. The drivers in the open cars will need to make the race through pole qualifying or their finish in the Duel races.

Daytona 500 2021 odds

It’s not surprising that two-time defending race winner Denny Hamlin is the betting favorite for the 2021 race, but 2020 Cup Series champion Chase Elliott is a slight surprise as the second choice because he has finished no better than 14th in his five Daytona 500s despite winning the pole twice.

Bubba Wallace, who signed with the new Hamlin-Michael Jordan 23XI Racing team last year, could be a value play at 20-1. Wallace is strong on restrictor-plate tracks, and he finished a career-best second in the 2018 Daytona 500. Watch Now