DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The national anthem. The flyover. The most famous words in motor sports.
There are plenty of elements that make pre-race in the NASCAR Cup Series a special time. But there's something extra about the Daytona 500 -- particularly the moment just before engines are fired for "The Great American Race."
"Even people that aren't climbing in the race car have the butterflies churning in their stomach, and I certainly have them," Jimmie Johnson said. "I love that moment. It's a moment that I look forward to every year."
Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kasey Kahne said that no matter how many times he gets behind the wheel for a Daytona 500, it remains a special moment.
"I don't think it ever gets old," he said.
"I still feel just as privileged, honored and excited as I ever have."
Hear more from the two drivers in the video above.