DAYTONA 500 start time, channel, weather starting grid: What to know for NASCAR Cup Series opener

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The sun has ascended in eastern Florida. It's officially race day. 

And not just any race. The stage is set for the 67th running of the DAYTONA 500 after a week of drama already on the high banks at Daytona International Speedway. The most prestigious event in all of stock car racing kicks off the NASCAR Cup Series season with 36 points-paying races leading all the way to the series championship at Phoenix Raceway in November. 

Hendrick Motorsports enters Sunday searching for its 10th win in the Great American Race. Another victory would move the organization into sole possession of most all time. That on the heels of William Byron's thrilling victory in 2024, one in which he edged teammate Alex Bowman as caution flew after the white flag was displayed. 

Byron has the highest starting position of all the Hendrick Motorsports and will roll off fifth. Chase Elliott is next in 17th with Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman relegated to backup cars after crashes in Thursday's Duel at Daytona qualifying races. 

Here's everything to know for Sunday's DAYTONA 500: 

RELATED: Elliott, Larson, Bowman talk close calls, DAYTONA 500 breakthroughs

What time is the NASCAR race today?

The 67th DAYTONA 500 has been moved up to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16. 

What channel is the DAYTONA 500 on?

The DAYTONA 500 will air on Fox.

Where is the DAYTONA 500?

The DAYTONA 500The DAYTONA 500is held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

How long is the DAYTONA 500?

The DAYTONA 500 is scheduled for 200 laps and 500 miles. 

How long is Daytona International Speedway? 

Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5-mile tri-oval. 

Daytona Beach weather forecast

According to the latest forecasts, an afternoon rain shower is likely with the percentage of precipitation reaching over 70% around 3 p.m. Last year's DAYTONA 500 was run on Monday afternoon. 

Who won the DAYTONA 500 in 2024? 

Hendrick Motorsports' William Byron edged teammate Alex Bowman in last year's DAYTONA 500. 

DAYTONA 500 starting lineup

1. Chase Briscoe, No. 14
2. Austin Cindric, No. 2
3. Bubba Wallace, No. 23
4. Erik Jones, No. 43
5. William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet
6. Chris Buescher, No. 17
7. Ty Dillon, No. 10
8. Denny Hamlin, No. 11
9. Ross Chastain, No. 1
10. Joey Logano, No. 22
11. Tyler Reddick, No. 45
12. Corey LaJoie, No. 01
13. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16
14. Todd Gilliland, No. 34
15. Austin Dillon, No. 3
16. Ryan Blaney, No. 12
17. Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet
18. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42
19. Justin Allgaier, No. 40
20. Christopher Bell, No. 20
21. Kyle Busch, No. 8
22. Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet
23. Ty Gibbs, No. 54
24. Riley Herbst, No. 35
25. Michael McDowell, No. 71
26. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88
27. Ryan Preece, No. 60
28. Cody Ware, No. 51
29. Josh Berry, No. 21
30. Cole Custer, No. 41
31. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47
32. Noah Gragson, No. 4
33. Carson Hocevar, No. 77
34. Brad Keselowski, No. 6
35. Justin Haley, No. 7
36. Daniel Suarez, No. 99
37. Zane Smith, No. 38
38. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Chevrolet
39. Martin Truex Jr., No. 56
40. Jimmie Johnson, No. 84
41. Helio Castroneves, No. 91