DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Before revving their engines at the Daytona 500, NASCAR drivers engaged with the media to reveal the individuals behind the wheel. Many of them, seasoned veterans of the event, express that each time they return, the unparalleled sensation persists.
Todd Gilliland of Front Row Motorsports reflects, "To me, it's really the first time back seeing everybody all in one place. I think it's easy to take for granted to even be here getting asked questions. It's really cool, I'm really honored to be here. I'm super excited to be back. It's my third one."
Harrison Burton from Wood Brothers Racing emphasizes the significance of the Daytona 500 atmosphere, stating, "The Daytona 500 atmosphere is the biggest thing. I think the whole city buys into it and people come from all over the world and we feel that, and it's really fun to go out and race in that for sure."
Michael McDowell, also from Front Row Motorsports, acknowledges the prestige of participating in the Daytona 500, remarking, "To come here as a NASCAR driver for the Daytona 500, I'm like woah, the Rolex isn't that big anymore like when you see what it is and what it means."
Beyond the racetrack, Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing notes the social aspect of Daytona, saying, "If there's time throughout the year, last few years it hasn't worked out that way, but catch up with friends that I used to race with. There's a lot to do here, lots of good food, a lot of good bars popping if you have that time."
For some drivers, the Daytona 500 symbolizes a clean slate, as articulated by Austin Dillon, "We've made adjustments to our racecars that hopefully they'll handle better in a position where we really have to push hard and on top of the face that maybe we decide to change up our strategy."
Eager to entertain the sold-out crowd, these drivers anticipate putting on a captivating show at Daytona.