| Do you love NASCAR? Chances are that you're not | | | | as well. These racers are guaranteed a spot in the |
| going to miss the "Great American Race" that kicks | | | | race, though not a position. Favorites including |
| off the 2008 NASCAR season! This historic race has | | | | Earnhardt Inc and Hendrick Motorsports are there, as |
| seen some of the greatest drivers battling for | | | | well as many others. |
| supremacy of the track (both blacktop and beach) | | | | 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the Daytona |
| for a long time now. What was once a beach race | | | | 500. As is befitting this milestone, the 24 living |
| has become a staple of sports around the nation. | | | | Dayton 500 race winners will act as Grand Marshalls |
| NASCAR racing has dramatically increased in | | | | throughout the weekend. Some of the great names |
| popularity over the last few years, drawing new fans | | | | that you can see officiating are Bobby Allison, Geoff |
| from around the country and the world alike. There's | | | | Bodine, Pete Hamilton, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt |
| no excuse not to miss the running of the Daytona | | | | Jr., Junior Johnson (who will actually drive the pace |
| 500 this year. | | | | car) and Richard Petty (who will drop the checkered |
| Fox is the sole broadcaster for this race. You'll need | | | | flag). There are quite a few more famous names and |
| to check with your local programming, but it should | | | | faces that will make an appearance at the race as |
| be widely available through a variety of satellite and | | | | well. |
| cable providers. If you get a local Fox network | | | | So what's new for 2008? There are two new items |
| channel through your air to ground antenna, you | | | | that will make their appearance with the Daytona 500 |
| should be able to tune in here as well. MRN radio will | | | | race this year. The first is the fact that the Nextel |
| also be broadcasting the race through their affiliate | | | | name will be replaced with a Sprint banner. This is due |
| stations. This year, the purse for the Daytona 500 is | | | | to the merger of Nextel and Sprint some years ago. |
| set for a record breaking $18.5 million, with a | | | | The other first that this year will see is the full use of |
| guaranteed minimum of $1.5 million for the driver and | | | | the Car of the Future by all racers. This vehicle will be |
| team for this single race. | | | | the only type driven from this point forward in the |
| Currently (as of February 11th 2008), only 4 drivers | | | | NASCAR circuit. The car has been heralded with |
| have qualified. The other racers will qualify for spots | | | | some skepticism by fans, though most drivers seem |
| during the Gatorade Duels held on Valentine's Day, | | | | (at least publicly) in favor of the new designs and |
| February 14th. Jimmie Johnson will be in the first spot, | | | | other modifications. |
| with Michael Waltrip coming in second. Joe | | | | You can catch all the races this year on NASCAR |
| Nemecheck and David Reutimman have also qualified | | | | Hotpass in HD exclusively on Direct TV. |
| for spots. There are many exemptions for this race, | | | | |