Traditions and events at the Daytona 500
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24 Hours of Daytona (Rolex 24)
A race that began in 1966, the "24" requires speed from a car and stamina from its drivers. The team who can drive the farthest distance in 24 hours wins.
On Jan 30, 2011, Memo Rojas, Graham Rahal, Joey Hand and Scott Pruett, drivers of the No. 01 TELMEX/Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates BMW Riley, won the event.
On Jan 30, 2011, Memo Rojas, Graham Rahal, Joey Hand and Scott Pruett, drivers of the No. 01 TELMEX/Target Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates BMW Riley, won the event.
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Starting in style
The singing of the National Anthem is observed by the pit crews, who stand in formation for the duration of the song.
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Flying salute
The Air Force gets in on the Daytona 500 action by flying over the racetrack toward the end of the National Anthem.
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Autographs? Absolutely!
Autograph sessions are just one opportunity for fans to meet their favorite race car drivers.
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No tents allowed
Only bring your RVs and trailers to camp out during Speedweeks -- the 10 days of activities and races before the big race -- because tent camping isn't allowed on the grounds.
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See the stars
Singers like Australian country star Keith Urban (who performed in 2009) headline a large pre-race show before the starting of on-track action.
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Turbo tykes
For many families, it's a tradition to attend the Daytona 500 and all of its festivities together. These two tykes clearly want to be in the cars, not watching them.
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Open practices
Fans get to watch their favorite drivers practice and then have a chance to receive a few autographs afterward.
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Street legal
Until 1973, all drivers were required to compete in the car he drove to the race. But when the oil crisis hit, NASCAR allowed cars that were specifically designed for racing to compete.
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Sign the line
Fans at the Daytona 500 get to write notes on the start/finish line before the big race.
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Truck stop
Speedweeks races include one Camping World Truck Series race and one Nationwide Series race in addition to the Sprint Cup race.
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Victory tour
Each winner of Daytona 500 goes on a victory tour across the United States.
The 2010 Daytona 500 champion was Jamie McMurray, whose victory tour included a stop in San Francisco.
The 2010 Daytona 500 champion was Jamie McMurray, whose victory tour included a stop in San Francisco.
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