Qualifying for the Daytona 500 starts today when drivers will vie for the fastest time to earn a prestigious spot in front row of the starting grid. The 500 is unique in that its qualifying session only locks in the pole and the outside-pole positions. SB Nation's Jeff Gluck explains:
Officially, the Daytona 500 qualifying session only locks in two spots: The pole position and the outside pole position. But it will also allow several go-or-go-home drivers to clinch a spot in the race based on their speed. The rest of the go-or-go-home drivers will have to rely on Thursday's Gatorade Duels to try and make the field. The Duels set the starting order for the Daytona 500, except for the two top spots decided today.
Rain could threaten today's event so stay tuned in the case of a delay or reschedule. NASCAR will likely wait as long as possible before deciding to bump qualifying to Monday in the case of inclement weather.
Date/Time: Saturday February 19, 1:05 p.m. ET
Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
TV: FOX
Radio: Motor Racing Network
For more on the Daytona 500 and NASCAR head on over to SB Nation's NASCAR page.