The time has come. The 2025 Daytona 500 is set to take center stage, and by the end of Sunday, one driver will etch their name into history, joining the legends on the Harley J. Earl Trophy. It’s a feat that defines careers, cements legacies, and turns dreams into reality. But the question remains—who will it be?
The Favorites
Every year, a handful of drivers enter Daytona Speedweeks with the expectation that they will be in contention when the checkered flag falls. This year, those names include Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner seeking his place alongside the all-time greats. Ryan Blaney, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been oh-so-close before. And of course, there’s Joey Logano, a former winner who thrives in high-stakes superspeedway battles.
The Underdogs
The beauty of the Daytona 500 is that sometimes, it’s not the big names that take the trophy—it’s the Cinderella stories. Just ask Trevor Bayne (2011), Michael McDowell (2021), and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2023). Could we see a Corey LaJoie, Todd Gilliland, or Carson Hocevar pull off the upset? With Daytona, anything is possible.
The Veterans Seeking Glory
There are also those who have come close but never closed the deal. Martin Truex Jr., in what could be his final season, has never won the Great American Race—a stunning fact considering his superspeedway prowess. Brad Keselowski has won at Talladega six times, but Daytona has eluded him. Kyle Busch, despite all his accomplishments, still hasn’t captured this elusive crown. Could 2025 finally be the year for one of them?
The Next Generation
Superspeedway racing has a way of introducing the new wave of stars to the spotlight. Ty Gibbs, Noah Gragson, and Josh Berry are all looking for that breakthrough win. Harrison Burton, whose father Jeff won some of the biggest races in NASCAR, is another young driver hoping to make a statement.
A Spot in History
Winning the Daytona 500 means more than just a trophy. It means your name is forever engraved on the Harley J. Earl Trophy, alongside icons like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson. It’s the race where champions are made and where underdogs become legends.
So… when the checkered flag waves Sunday afternoon, who will it be? Who gets their name added to the trophy?
One thing is certain: it’s going to be a race to remember.
