DailyFanRacing Daytona Preview
Daytona Speedweeks is finally here! Well, sort of… It’s not really weeks anymore. Who am I kidding? It’s not even a full week anymore…. I digress! Anyway, the 2025 NASCAR season is upon us as Daytona kicks it off as usual. While it is exciting from a fan perspective, it’s even more intriguing from a DFS perspective as we have FIVE DraftKings slates to win this week! From Wednesday, 2/12, to Sunday, 2/16, we will have continuous days with cars on track, culminating in the 67th running of the Great American Race, the Daytona 500.
Wednesday, 2/12 - Daytona 500 Qualifying, where the front row starters for the main event and starting lineups for the Duels will be determined.
Thursday, 2/13 - The Duels at Daytona, two 150-mile races that determine the rest of the starting grid for the Daytona 500. (DFS x2)
Friday, 2/14 - NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Fresh From Florida 250 (DFS)
Saturday, 2/15 - NASCAR Xfinity Series: United Rentals 300 (DFS) and ARCA Menards Series Doubleheader
Sunday, 2/16 - NASCAR Cup Series: 67th Daytona 500 (DFS)
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The Daytona 500 for 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, especially for open (non-chartered) teams looking to secure one of the four available spots in the 40-car field, making Wednesday and Thursday particularly important for them. Here's an overview of the opportunities for open teams:
No. 40 - Justin Allgaier (JRM) - Allgaier, defending Xfinity Series Champion, moves up to attempt the Daytona 500 with JR Motorsports.
No. 44 - JJ Yeley (NY Racing) - Yeley brings veteran experience to NY Racing's effort to make the race, despite limited funding
No. 56 - Martin Truex Jr. (Tricon Garage) - Truex, a former Cup/Xfinity champion, brings high expectations with his attempt to qualify under the Tricon banner.
No. 62 - Anthony Alfredo (Beard Motorsports) - Alfredo, who has prior experience with Beard, aims to secure a spot after racing his way in last season.
No. 78 - BJ McLeod (Live Fast Motorsports) - McLeod has become a known name in the open team circuit at Daytona.
No. 84 - Jimmie Johnson (Legacy Motor Club) - 7-time Cup Champion, Johnson's return to Daytona is always noteworthy, even as an open entry.
No. 91 - Helio Castroneves (Trackhouse Racing) - Castroneves has the new Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) to guarantee his spot, potentially making the field 41 cars if he doesn't qualify on his own.
The two fastest open cars in the single-car qualifying session on Wednesday night automatically secure spots in the Daytona 500. Also, the highest-finishing open car from each of the two Duel races on Thursday secures a spot. If a driver qualifies on speed and then finishes highest in their Duel, the next-fastest open car from qualifying earns a spot. With former champions, new teams, and typical backmarkers all vying for a spot in the Great American Race, the competition is fierce, and only the best-prepared teams with the right strategy and luck will succeed.
Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5-mile asphalt oval, making it a superspeedway for track type purposes. Drafting is an integral part of success at these tracks as it is the most efficient way to make fast lap times. Unfortunately, it is also the reason for so much carnage in these races. While anything can happen, drivers with a history of pack-racing prowess typically elevate themselves to the front. Let’s take a look at my picks to win this week.
Grant Enfinger (Trucks)
Enfinger has a notable history at Daytona International Speedway, securing one NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory in a dramatic 2020 finish and earning two ARCA Menards Series wins back in 2014 and 2015. In recent years, Enfinger finished 5th and 17th for CR7 Motorsports. Enfinger's experience allows him to have strategic patience and a keen understanding of drafting, especially in comparison to the younger drivers in the Craftsman Truck Series.
Austin Hill (Xfinity)
Hill has made a name for himself at Daytona in the Xfinity Series. He won the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024, showcasing his prowess on superspeedways. He also has multiple wins at the newly reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway. The speed of Richard Childress Racing on this track type and his aggressive ability to navigate the draft have been a perfect match, making him a strong contender to win again this week.
Brad Keselowski (Cup)
Though the sentimental favorite appears to be Kyle Busch who is winless in this event despite the best average finish over the past 6 Daytona 500s, I will continue to back Keselowski at drafting tracks. He’s one of best superspeedway racers as evidenced by a series-best 126 laps led in the past six races at Daytona, yet he hasn’t won a points-paying race here since 2012. He also has one of the best spotters for this track type in TJ Majors, who led Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Joey Logano to Daytona 500 wins in his career.
Daytona has always brought excitement, and this week should be no different! We will continue to bring content to you all week long here at DailyFanRacing. If you have any questions or just want to let us know who you think wins the Daytona 500, reach out on Twitter or join our FREE Discord!