As the 2025 NASCAR season officially kicks off with the prestigious Daytona 500, a fresh wave of excitement surrounds the race, not only because of the iconic nature of the event but also due to the compelling storylines unfolding this year. From over a dozen drivers racing for new teams, Martin Truex Jr.’s return after retiring from full-time racing, and Chase Elliott’s momentum following his victory in The Clash, this is a race you won’t want to miss. Here’s how to watch the Dayton 500 with DISH; use the link below to subscribe today and follow this link for a look at the full NASCAR season.
How to Watch the 2025 Daytona 500 With DISH
The Daytona 500 takes place Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30pm ET on FOX. Prior to the big race, Duel 1 takes place on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7pm ET on FS1, followed by Duel 2 at 8:45pm ET. On Friday, Feb. 14, the Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250 race takes place 7:30pm ET on FS1. Saturday’s events include the Daytona ARCA 200 at Noon ET on FOX, and the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300 at 5pm ET on The CW.
Chase Briscoe, Riley Herbst, and Cole Custer: New Beginnings with New Teams
The 2025 season brings a fresh chapter for Chase Briscoe, Riley Herbst, and Cole Custer, who are all racing for new teams in the Daytona 500. Briscoe, a rising star with great potential, takes over Martin Truex Jr.’s seat with Joe Gibbs Racing this year. Known for his versatility on a variety of track types, Briscoe’s move is expected to bolster his performance, especially on superspeedways like Daytona.
Riley Herbst, who spent the past few seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing in the Xfinity Series, is also making the jump to the Cup Series in 2025, joining 23XI Racing. This transition marks an important moment in Herbst’s career as he steps into the highly competitive world of Cup racing. While his experience at Daytona may be limited, Herbst has shown plenty of potential on the Xfinity Series, and with the right resources and teamwork, he could surprise many fans.
Another major change is Cole Custer, who is coming back to the Cup Series racing for Haas Factory Team after spending the past two years in the Xfinity Series where he won the Championship in 2023. Custer, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, is hoping the switch will help elevate his results. His solid experience and understanding of superspeedway racing could give him an edge in this high-stakes race. As a driver who has consistently impressed on intermediate tracks, Custer’s move back to the Cup Series could be the boost he needs to take his career to the next level.
With all these drivers moving to new teams, the Daytona 500 will serve as a crucial opportunity for them to make a statement and set the tone for their season.
Martin Truex Jr.: A Return to Daytona After Stepping Back from Full-Time Racing
Martin Truex Jr. is making his return to the Daytona 500 after announcing his retirement from full-time competition at the end of the 2024 season. Truex, a former Cup Series champion, has seen it all in his long and illustrious career, and his presence at Daytona will add a special touch to the race.
Though he is not racing in every event this year, Truex’s experience and proven ability on superspeedways make him a dangerous contender in this year’s Daytona 500. His approach to racing has always been calculated, and his ability to stay calm under pressure will be crucial as the field competes in this high-stakes race. With the support of his team, Truex will certainly be a force to be reckoned with, even if this marks one of his few appearances in 2025.
Chase Elliott: The Clash Victory and Building Momentum for Daytona
When it comes to superspeedway racing, Chase Elliott has proven his mettle time and time again, with a Daytona 500 victory to his name in 2022. Combining that experience with the confidence gained from his recent win, Elliott will likely be a strong contender in this year’s race. His consistency and smooth driving style make him a fan favorite, and with his strong performances in past Daytona races, Elliott is well-positioned to capture his second Daytona 500 win.
Unlike the track itself, the 2025 Daytona 500 is shaping up to be a race filled with exciting twists. With key drivers racing for new teams, Martin Truex Jr. making his return to the Daytona 500 after stepping away from full-time racing, and Chase Elliott entering the race with momentum from a win at The Clash, the stage is set for a thrilling opening to the NASCAR season. Fans will be watching closely to see how these drivers perform and whether they can secure a place in Daytona’s storied history.
Here’s a complete look at the 2025 NASCAR schedule:
- Sunday, Feb. 2: The Clash at Bowman Gray (Exhibition) – FOX
- Sunday, Feb. 16: DAYTONA 500 – FOX
- Sunday, Feb. 23: Ambetter Health 400 – Atlanta Motor Speedway – FOX
- Sunday, March 2: EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas – FOX
- Sunday, March 9: Shriners Children’s 500 – Phoenix Raceway – FS1
- Sunday, March 16: Pennzoil 400 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway – FS1
- Sunday, March 23: Straight Talk Wireless 400 – Homestead-Miami Speedway – FS1
- Sunday, March 30: Cook Out 400 – Martinsville Speedway – FS1
- Sunday, April 6: Goodyear 400 – Darlington Raceway – FS1
- Sunday, April 13: Food City 500 – Bristol Motor Speedway – FS1
- Sunday, April 27: Jack Link’s 500 – Talladega Superspeedway – FOX
- Sunday, May 4: Würth 400 – Texas Motor Speedway – FS1
- Sunday, May 11: AdeventHealth 400 – Kansas Speedway – FS1
- Sunday, May 18: NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway – FS1
- Sunday, May 25: Coca-Cola 600 – Charlotte Motor Speedway – Amazon Prime Video
- Sunday, June 1: NASCAR Cup Series Race at Nashville – Nashville Superspeedway – Amazon Prime Video
- Sunday, June 8: Firekeepers Casino 400 – Michigan International Speedway – Amazon Prime Video
- Sunday, June 15: NASCAR Cup Series Race at Mexico City – Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (Mexico City) – Amazon Prime Video
- Sunday, June 22: NASCAR Cup Series Race at Pocono – Pocono Raceway – Amazon Prime Video
- Saturday, June 28: Quaker State 400 – Atlanta Motor Speedway – TNT
- Sunday, July 6: Grant Park 165 – Chicago Street Course – TNT
- Sunday, July 13: Toyota/ Save Mart 350 – Sonoma Raceway – TNT
- Sunday, July 20: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 – Dover Motor Speedway – TNT
- Sunday, July 27: Brickyard 400 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway – TNT
- Sunday, Aug. 3: Iowa Corn 350 – Iowa Raceway – USA Network
- Sunday, Aug. 10: Go Bowling at The Glen – Watkins Glen International – USA Network
- Saturday, Aug. 16: Cook Out 400 – Richmond Raceway – USA Network
- Saturday, Aug. 23: Coke Zero Sugar 400 – Daytona International Speedway – NBC
Playoffs: Round of 16
- Sunday, Aug. 31: Southern 500 – Darlington Raceway – USA Network
- Sunday, Sept. 7: Enjoy Illinois 300 – World Wide Technology Raceway – USA Network
- Saturday, Sept. 13: Bass Pro Shops Night Race – Bristol Motor Speedway – USA Network
Playoffs: Round of 12
- Sunday, Sept. 21: NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race at New Hampshire – New Hampshire Motor Speedway – USA Network
- Sunday, Sept. 28: Hollywood Casino 400 – Kansas Motor Speedway – USA Network
- Sunday, Oct. 5: Bank of America ROVAL 400 – Charlotte Roval – USA Network
Playoffs: Round of 8
- Sunday, Oct. 12: South Point 400 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway – USA Network
- Sunday, Oct. 19: NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race at Talladega – Talladega Superspeedway – NBC
- Sunday, Oct. 26: NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Race at Martinsville – Martinsville Speedway – NBC
Championship
- Sunday, Nov. 2: NASCAR Cup Series Championship – Phoenix Raceway – NBC
