The high-stakes season opener for NASCAR, the Daytona 500, is all set to begin this February 15th. And this year's edition has a special twist.

With nearly $31 million allotted for the Cup Series, it is the highest prize money we have seen yet in motorsports history.

This is an increase from last year’s purse, which totalled to $30 million. The excitement is palpable as racers will head to Daytona International Speedway, given the rich history of the race. 

"The demand for fans to experience NASCAR is at an all-time high and their continued support of the sport starts at DAYTONA. With drivers competing for another record purse of over $31 million in the 68th running of The Great American Race, the history books will be rewritten once again at The World Center of Racing," Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway, said.

In addition to this, $3.7 million has been allocated for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, while $1.2 million has been allocated for the Craftsman Truck Series - bringing the total to nearly $36 million.

Who will be the favourites to win this year’s Daytona 500?

37 drivers are already confirmed, while the final four spots are going to be contested by 8 drivers.

William Byron enters the contest as the defending champion, having won the previous two years' Daytona 500s. No driver has won the Daytona 500 three consecutive times, and Byron will be looking to rewrite the history books this time. 

What are your thoughts about this year’s Daytona 500? Who do you think will clinch the cup this time? Let us know in the comments below.

Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar