The 67th anniversary of the Daytona 500 will kick off the 77th season of NASCAR Cup Series competition, with Team Penske and driver Joey Logano returning to defend their titles. This new season brings significant changes to both the grid and the regulations NASCAR drivers must navigate.
New Regulations for the 2025 NASCAR Season
NASCAR retained its points system but introduced a fresh element to the competition: the “Xfinity Fastest Lap,” awarding a bonus point to the driver with the fastest lap during each race. This rule applies across all three NASCAR divisions, ensuring competitive racing at every level.
In an effort to address issues like driver eligibility and vehicle damage, NASCAR revised the Playoff Waivers policy and the Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP). Drivers missing races due to non-medical reasons must forfeit playoff bonus points, while teams can now tow cars with minor damages back to the garage for repairs, streamlining the competition.
Grid Changes Post-Shuttering of Stewart-Haas Racing
The closure of Stewart-Haas Racing reshaped the NASCAR landscape. Trackhouse Racing secured one of its charters with Shane van Gisbergen, adding depth to its lineup. Other new teams like Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing also received charters, bringing Zane Smith and Riley Herbst into the Cup Series.
Gene Haas redirected the remaining SHR drivers to other teams. Chase Briscoe joined Joe Gibbs Racing, while Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, and Ryan Preece moved to Wood Brothers Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and RFK Racing respectively. Cole Custer was promoted and provided an entry for the new Haas Factory Team.
The Buildup to the 2025 Daytona 500
With the largest entry list in a decade, Daytona International Speedway expects a spectacular showdown. Defending Daytona 500 winner William Byron faces a competitive field that includes other NASCAR luminaries. Ross Chastain, who recently collided in a dramatic finish, will also be in action.
The field includes former champions Martin Truex Jr. and Jimmie Johnson, reigning Xfinity champion Justin Allgaier, and a high-profile debut by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, who will pilot a Trackhouse Racing Project 91 machine.
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, Axalta Chevrolet Camaro, Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing, Busch Light Chevrolet Camaro, Austin Cindric, Team Penske, Discount Tire Ford Mustang, Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports, Ally Chevrolet Camaro
Photo by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images
When and Where is the 2025 Daytona 500?
- Date: Sunday, February 16
- Time: 2:30 PM ET
- Network: FOX Sports
- Streaming: Max (onboard cameras)