Honestly, if you're still calling it "Speedweeks" and only showing up for the Sunday race, you're doing it wrong. The 2025 season is basically the start of a whole new era for NASCAR. New broadcast partners, a return to some old-school practice vibes, and a schedule that feels like it’s actually breathing again.
It’s easy to get lost in the noise. There are four different series hitting the asphalt at Daytona International Speedway over the span of about five days. If you aren't careful, you’ll miss the Duels because you thought they were on Friday (they aren't) or you'll miss the Truck Series opener because you were too busy looking for a parking spot at a BBQ joint in DeLand.
The NASCAR Speedweeks schedule 2025 officially kicks off its high-intensity stretch on Wednesday, February 12th. But let's be real: the vibe starts way before the first green flag.
The Wednesday Night Speed Trap
For years, we complained that there wasn't enough track time. NASCAR actually listened for 2025. They’ve added a 50-minute practice session for the Cup Series on Wednesday morning. It’s a bit of a throwback. Before the pandemic, we used to have cars on track constantly. We’re finally getting back to that "garage rat" culture.
Wednesday, February 12th:
- 10:05 AM ET: Cup Series Practice (FS1)
- 8:15 PM ET: Cup Series Pole Qualifying (FS1)
This isn't your standard qualifying. Only the front row is locked in. Everyone else has to fight for their lives on Thursday. If you've never watched single-car qualifying under the lights at Daytona, you're missing the purest form of speed. It’s just one driver, one car, and the wind.
Thursday: The Most Stressful Night in Racing
The Bluegreen Vacations Duels are why we love this sport. It’s high-stakes gambling at 200 mph. On Thursday, Feb. 13th, the field gets split in two. If you're an "Open" team without a charter—like the guys trying to make the race on speed and grit—this is your Super Bowl.
- 7:00 PM ET: Duel No. 1 (60 laps / 150 miles)
- 8:45 PM ET (approx): Duel No. 2 (60 laps / 150 miles)
You’ve got guys like Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric who have historically thrived in these sprint-style races. In 2025, the pressure is even higher because the "win and in" playoff logic has shifted. Every point in the regular season suddenly feels heavier.
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Friday and Saturday: The Under-the-Radar Thrills
People sleep on the Truck and Xfinity series. Huge mistake. These races are usually more chaotic than the Daytona 500 because the drivers have zero "save it for later" mentality.
On Friday, Feb. 14th, the Craftsman Truck Series takes over. It’s the "Fresh From Florida 250" at 7:30 PM ET. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it usually ends with someone upside down or in tears. Earlier that day, at 5:35 PM, the Cup guys get another practice session. Don't ignore that—this is where you see who has the best "drafting partners" for Sunday.
Saturday is a double-header.
- 12:00 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series 200. This is where 19-year-old Corey Day is making his big superspeedway debut.
- 5:00 PM ET: United Rentals 300 (Xfinity Series). This is the CW Network’s big moment, as they’ve taken over the broadcast rights for the series.
The 67th Daytona 500: The Main Event
Sunday, Feb. 16th is the one you probably have marked on your calendar. But here’s the kicker—weather in Florida is a nightmare. For 2025, they actually moved the start time up an hour to 1:30 PM ET (original slot was 2:30 PM) to try and beat the rain.
If you’re watching from home, FOX has the call. If you’re at the track, get there by 9:00 AM. The pre-race festivities on the frontstretch are half the reason people pay for tickets. You want to see the flyovers. You want to hear the engine command. It’s the only time "gentlemen, start your engines" actually gives you chills.
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William Byron entered 2025 as the defending winner, but Daytona is a lottery. You can lead 199 laps and finish in a pile of twisted metal on the backstretch.
How to Actually Survive Speedweeks
If you're heading down to Florida, don't just stay in Daytona. Go to the hauler showcase at One Daytona on Tuesday night (Feb. 11th). Seeing those massive rigs roll in is something else.
Also, keep an eye on the "Open" entries. In 2025, we saw a massive shuffle in charters with 23XI and Front Row Motorsports expanding. This means the battle just to make the Daytona 500 is tougher than it has been in a decade.
Your Quick-Reference Checklist:
- Download the NASCAR App: The schedule changes on a dime if a cloud looks at the track the wrong way.
- Scanner is King: If you're at the track, rent a scanner. Hearing the spotters scream "Inside! Clear! All clear!" while the pack is three-wide is the only way to understand the geometry of the draft.
- Watch the Draft: During the Friday and Saturday Cup practices, look for teams working together. Hendrick cars usually stick together like glue. If you see a Toyota drafting with a Chevy, something weird is happening.
The NASCAR Speedweeks schedule 2025 isn't just a list of times; it's a marathon. By the time the green flag drops for the 500 on Sunday, the drivers are already exhausted, the fans are sunburnt, and the narrative of the season has already started to write itself. Don't just tune in for the last ten laps. The real story starts on Wednesday.