The Daytona 500 presents a unique challenge to the 40 drivers who grace its sun-scorched surface.
The event, replete with wobbles and collisions, is a spectacle unlike few others in the Cup Series calendar. Not only does it feature a bigger purse and bigger crashes than any other regular season race, but it also includes a different qualifying method — one that takes two days to complete as compared to the customary one.
With that, The Sporting News gives you the rundown on all things qualifying for the 2025 Daytona 500.
MORE: Watch NASCAR’s Daytona 500 race live with Fubo (free trial)
Daytona 500 qualifying, explained
The Daytona 500 features a unique qualifying format specific to the “Great American Race.” The competition starts with single-car qualifying on Wednesday, which pits racers in a race against time beginning at 8:15 p.m. ET.
The two drivers with the fastest lap times will be locked into the front row for Sunday’s race, while everyone else will move on to the duels.
What are Daytona Duels?
The remaining entrants will head to the Daytona Duels, a grueling 60-lap (150-mile) showdown in which racers who placed in odd positions (third, fifth, seventh, etc.) the night before compete in Duel 1 and those who placed in even positions (fourth, sixth, eighth, etc.) feature in Duel 2.
Chartered teams are guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500, meaning 36 drivers are simply competing to figure out where they will start Sunday’s race. However, the race features a 40-car field, meaning four non-chartered teams can crack the Big Dance with a strong showing in qualifying.
Motorsport luminaries like Jimmie Johnson, Helio Castroneves, and Martin Truex Jr. are among the non-chartered drivers taking part in qualification, so the stakes — and pressure — will be sky-high for those hoping to earn a spot on the storied asphalt Sunday.
MORE: Schedule, TV channel, lineups and more for 2025 Daytona Duels
Daytona Duels 2025 start times
- Pole qualifying: Wednesday, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Duel 1: Thursday, 7 p.m. ET
- Duel 2: Thursday, 8:45 p.m. ET (approx.)
Duel 1 will consist of odd-number finishers (third, fifth, seventh, etc.) from time trials. Conversely, Duel 2 will feature the trial’s even-numbered participants (fourth, sixth, eighth, etc.)
Daytona Duels 2025 TV channel
- TV networks: FS1 (U.S.), TSN1/3 (Canada)
- Live stream: FoxSports.com, Fox Sports App, Fubo
FS1 will handle the coverage for Wednesday’s qualifying and Thursday’s races. Mike Joy (lap-by-lap), Clint Bowyer, and Larry McReynolds (race analysts) will be on the call as the Cup Series season approaches its inaugural race of the regular season.
