Excitement Builds as the 67th Daytona 500 Approaches

The 67th Daytona 500 is set to be a thrilling race, and this year, there’s a surprise addition to the starting grid! While the race typically features 40 cars, the 2025 edition will showcase 41 drivers, thanks to a special guest. IndyCar legend Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indy 500 champion, is making his NASCAR debut. He won’t be chasing points or prize money, but Castroneves will be taking part in this iconic race just for the thrill. Starting from the 21st row, fans are eager to see how this seasoned driver adapts to the world of NASCAR.

The Front of the Pack: Who’s Leading the Way?

As always, the race is bound to be intense, and the starting lineup is already heating up. Chase Briscoe has secured the pole position for the race, meaning he’ll lead the pack when the green flag drops. Right alongside him in second place is Austin Cindric, who earned his spot by winning the second qualifying Duel race. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace also had a strong showing in his Duel race, placing him in the third spot. Erik Jones, who finished just behind Wallace, will complete the second row.

Full Starting Lineup for the Daytona 500

Here’s a look at the official starting grid for the 67th Daytona 500:

Row 1

• Chase Briscoe (No. 19 Toyota)
• Austin Cindric (No. 2 Ford)

Row 2

• Bubba Wallace (No. 23 Toyota)
• Erik Jones (No. 23 Toyota)

Row 3

• William Byron (No. 24 Chevrolet)
• Chris Buescher (No. 17 Ford)

Row 4

• Ty Dillon (No. 10 Chevrolet)
• Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Toyota)

Row 5

• Ross Chastain (No. 1 Chevrolet)
• Joey Logano (No. 22 Ford)

Row 6

• Tyler Reddick (No. 45 Toyota)
• Corey LaJoie (No. 01 Ford)

Row 7

• AJ Allmendinger (No. 16 Chevrolet)
• Todd Gilliland (No. 34 Ford)

Row 8

• Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet)
• Ryan Blaney (No. 12 Ford)

Row 9

• Chase Elliott (No. 9 Chevrolet)
• John Hunter Nemechek (No. 42 Toyota)

Row 10

• Justin Allgaier (No. 40 Chevrolet)
• Christopher Bell (No. 20 Toyota)

Row 11

• Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet)
• Kyle Larson (No. 5 Chevrolet)

Row 12

• Ty Gibbs (No. 54 Toyota)
• Riley Herbst (No. 35 Toyota)

Row 13

• Michael McDowell (No. 71 Chevrolet)
• Shane van Gisbergen (No. 88 Chevrolet)

Row 14

• Ryan Preece (No. 60 Ford)
• Cody Ware (No. 51 Ford)

Row 15

• Josh Berry (No. 21 Ford)
• Cole Custer (No. 41 Ford)

Row 16

• Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 47 Chevrolet)
• Noah Gragson (No. 4 Ford)

Row 17

• Carson Hocevar (No. 77 Chevrolet)
• Brad Keselowski (No. 6 Ford)

Row 18

• Justin Haley (No. 7 Chevrolet)
• Daniel Suarez (No. 99 Chevrolet)

Row 19

• Zane Smith (No. 38 Ford)
• Alex Bowman (No. 48 Chevrolet)

Row 20

• Martin Truex Jr. (No. 56 Toyota)
• Jimmie Johnson (No. 84 Toyota)

Row 21

• Helio Castroneves (No. 91 Chevrolet)

Tough Luck for Some Drivers

Unfortunately, not every driver made the cut for this year’s Daytona 500. JJ Yeley, Chandler Smith, Anthony Alfredo, and BJ McLeod will not be part of the race this time around. These drivers will surely be looking forward to their next opportunity to compete on the NASCAR circuit.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

The 67th Daytona 500 is shaping up to be a race full of excitement, with an impressive lineup of drivers ready to battle it out on the track. With a mix of seasoned NASCAR stars and a legendary IndyCar driver joining the field, fans can expect thrilling moments and fierce competition.

Will Helio Castroneves be able to make an impact in his NASCAR debut, or will the veteran drivers steal the show? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—this year’s Daytona 500 is going to be one for the history books.

Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as the race day approaches!