Overview
- NASCAR advanced the Daytona 500 start by one hour to 1:30 p.m. ET to work around forecast late-day rain in Daytona Beach.
- Comedian Nate Bargatze is the 68th grand marshal and will deliver the traditional "Drivers, start your engines!" command.
- Bargatze is slated for a Sunday morning Fan Q&A in the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone as part of race-day activities.
- The pre-race lineup includes a concert by Miranda Lambert and Kurt Russell serving as an honorary pace driver.
- The Daytona 500 serves as the NASCAR Cup Series season opener, drawing a broad celebrity presence alongside the on-track stakes.