The 67th running of the Daytona 500 is underway, and with it comes a chance to catch up on some basic racing terms. Here’s a crash course for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
Daytona Beach, once considered the “birthplace of speed,” has been hosting the iconic 500-mile event since 1959. Over the years, technology and terminology have evolved, but the excitement remains. This year’s field boasts past winners, including William Byron, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Austin Cindric, and Joey Logano.
Drafting is a crucial technique in superspeedway racing, where multiple cars squeeze together to reduce drag and gain speed. NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson mastered this skill in 1960.
The current top drivers include Richard Petty (seven-time winner) and Dale Jarrett (three-time winner). Petty’s record of 200 wins remains unmatched. Other notable drivers include Michael Jordan, who owns a team, and Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 champion.
Some key terms to know:
– Green flag: Used to start or restart a race.
– Yellow flag: Slow down due to accidents or debris on the track.
– Red flag: Stop racing due to safety concerns.
– Checkered flag: Indicates the winner has crossed the finish line.
Notable drivers who have never won the Daytona 500 include Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Martin Truex Jr. Four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves will make his NASCAR debut this year, joining a diverse field of four drivers from different countries.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch are listed as co-favorites (+1200) to win the race.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/daytona-500-cheat-sheet-bbdf303be3bea3c578b3a02ab4966110