The Daytona 500 is now 1 of 26 qualifying races to determine the 12 chase contenders. So how can it be called NASCAR's Super Bowl event when it is just 1 of 26 qualifying races for NASCAR's version of the playoffs? I find this confusing!
And if the Daytona 500 winner doesn't make the chase does that make it less important?
18 gibbs 20
Favorite Answer
It's the most prestigious race. It's importance as far as the points isn't any different than it's importance before there was a chase when it was 1 of x races in the season.
Zachary
I certainly don't think the Homestead race is NASCAR's Super Bowl. The Daytona 500 is the most prestigious race in NASCAR. Everybody remembers the past winners of the Daytona 500. It's the first race of the NASCAR season and that track just creates exciting races.
There is just so much history at Daytona too. There's the 1976 Daytona 500 when Petty and Pearson wrecked racing each other to the finish line and Pearson crossed the finish line at 30 mph to win the race. There was the 1979 Daytona 500 which was the first race to be televised live flag-to-flag and people saw Yarbrough and Donnie Allison both wreck fighting for the lead which led to a fight in the infield as Petty went on to win the race. That race helped NASCAR grow into what it is today. You can even go back to the very first Daytona 500 in 1959 which ended with three cars crossing the finish line at the same time and it took them three days of studying photos to announce that Lee Petty had won the race. Then, of course, there is Dale Earnhardt finally winning the 500 in 1998 after the race had eluded him for so many years.
Winning the Daytona 500 certainly doesn't guarantee you success for the rest of the season but there are two goals that every driver wants to accomplish during their career, winning a championship and winning the Daytona 500.
Jay
The Daytona 500 stands on its own, similar to the Indy 500. They may be part of a series schedule, but these races are the ones people want to win, or just be a part of. Just making the field for the Daytona 500 is a huge accomplishment. Everyone has had all winter to polish their stuff and prep the best car they can. You show up in Daytona with everything you've got. Daytona will always be important, and it's never been a qualifying race. It's the kickoff to the Nascar season.
Pink Chickens
The Daytona 500 is to Nascar what the Indianapolis 500 is to Indy Cars. Its a prestigious race with a ton of history. Most drivers would trade any win for one at the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt had won 7 championships before he won the Daytona 500, but winning that race was the high point of his career. Its kind of hard to explain.
And no, I don't think not making the chase after winning the Daytona 500 makes it any less important. They will go down in history as a Daytona 500 winner. Any driver who has will always be remembered for that accomplishment. Even if they never have a championship.
dogbert03
After months of no NASCAR, the Daytona 500 is what kicks off the new season, so excitement is usually at its highest. It's NASCAR's version of the Super Bowl because somebody decided to make it the biggest of the parties.