Having spent a few weeks at Daytona International Speedway already this year, I was ready to experience it in a way only NASCAR can present itself. "America's Race," the Daytona 500.
The difference between the track layout between the IMSA Rolex 24 and the NASCAR Daytona 500 is dramatic. Not only is the track different, but a lot of the infield changes and, therefore, the logistics about parking, access, and the ability to get around inside the 2.5-mile oval. It's the first time of the year that the support series come out to play with the big boys, and of course, the main event always draws entries from elsewhere in the motorsports world.
With the unique qualifying process before the 500 takes place, the event is drawn out a few more days than every other race of the season.
I questioned the reason and process of the "Duels" (the races that set the grid for the actual race on Sunday). Several veterans informed me that the intent was to increase spectator participation during the days leading up to the main event and to wreck at least a few more racecars for the audience.
Here are a few of my favorite images I captured from the Daytona 500 2023 All images are © 2023 Gavin Baker / NKP
