Daytona Beach, Florida – NASCAR fans can brace themselves for an unprecedented experience as the Daytona 500 and the Xfinity Series race are set to make history with a Monday doubleheader at the Daytona International Speedway. This unique event is a response to the rain that has disrupted previous Daytona 500 races, making it the first-ever Monday doubleheader at the iconic venue. The Daytona 500 is scheduled to start at 4pm ET, followed by the Xfinity Series race at approximately 9pm ET, both of which will have live coverage on various media platforms.
The Monday races will allow fans with Saturday grandstand tickets and admission to the Fanzone to enjoy both events, with an opportunity to witness a total of 800 miles of thrilling NASCAR action. Several drivers are set to attempt the grueling challenge of running both races, including AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Suarez, John Hunter Nemechek, Riley Herbst, and Anthony Alfredo.
Historically, the Daytona 500 has been impacted by rain, with four races being shortened due to poor weather conditions. The event was even postponed for the first time in 2012 and subsequently run on a Monday in 2020. However, this year’s Monday race promises to deliver exceptional excitement as Joey Logano, a two-time Cup champion, will lead the field to the green after winning the pole in Wednesday night’s qualifying session. Joining him on the front row will be 2021 Daytona 500 champion, Michael McDowell.
Other notable drivers in the top-10 starting lineup include Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Austin Cindric, Alex Bowman, Denny Hamlin, Carson Hocevar, and John Hunter Nemechek. However, several drivers will have to start at the rear of the field after moving to backup cars following wrecks in Thursday night’s qualifying races, including reigning series champion Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Kyle Busch, Noah Gragson, and Daniel Hemric.
With so much anticipation surrounding the Monday races, NASCAR fans are eagerly awaiting the spectacle of high-speed action and fierce competition on the track at the Daytona International Speedway. Whether the weather will play a role in the outcome of the races remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an exhilarating day of NASCAR racing in Daytona Beach, Florida.