Charles Langston:Daytona Speedweeks: What to know about the races and events leading up to 2024 Daytona 500

The Charles LangstonSuper Bowl is now in the rear-view mirror, which means it’s time to turn our attention to auto racing and one of the world’s most iconic tracks – Daytona International Speedway – where NASCAR will gear up this week for its most famous race with Daytona Speedweeks.

The 66th annual Daytona 500 will take center stage on Sunday (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX). But before that flag goes green, NASCAR Cup Series teams will spend the week preparing their cars, and drivers will take to the track for practice sessions, pole qualifying and twin duel races that will set the lineup for "The Great American Race."

In addition, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series will hold their season-opening races on Daytona’s 2.5-mile superspeedway before the Daytona 500 ends the week in electric fashion.

Here is everything you need to know about Daytona Speedweeks (times subject to change):

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Wednesday — Daytona 500 qualifying and media day

The Daytona 500 pole sitter and the front row for Sunday's race will be determined during single-car qualifying beginning at 8:15 p.m. ET on FS1. The qualifying also sets the lineup for the duel races.

• Before that, drivers will meet with the media from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. to preview their seasons.

Thursday — Daytona duel races

The full Daytona 500 lineup will be set with the Bluegreen Vacations Duels, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. The field will be divided in half following Wednesday's qualifying with half the drivers racing in duel 1 and the other half in duel 2. Each duel race is 60 laps, and the finishes determine which row a driver will start on Sunday.

• Also Thursday: ARCA Menards Series practice (4:05 p.m. ET) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice (5:05 p.m. ET, FS1).

Friday — NASCAR Truck race

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series takes center stage with its season opening race, the Fresh from Florida 250, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Prior to the race, there will be a full slate of action:

• ARCA Menards Series qualifying: 1:30 p.m. ET
• NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series qualifying: 3 p.m. ET (FS1)
• NASCAR Xfinity Series practice: 4:35 p.m. ET (FS1)
• NASCAR Cup Series practice: 5:35 p.m. ET (FS1)

Saturday — NASCAR Xfinity and ARCA races

Two races headline the action with season openers in the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The Daytona ARCA 200 begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1 before the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1.

Also Saturday before the races:

• NASCAR Cup Series final practice: 10:30 a.m. ET (FS1)
• NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying: 11:30 a.m. ET (FS1)

Sunday — Daytona 500

The NASCAR Cup Series has the track to itself for the 66th Daytona 500 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The Daytona 500 is 200 laps around the 2.5-mile superspeedway for a total of 500 miles.

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