Coke Zero 400 @ Daytona

[cloverleaf]

Where: Daytona International Raceway
When: Saturday, July 7, 7:30 pm

Daytona International Raceway was built in 1958 to host racing that was being held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, making it the third largest single lit outdoor sports facility. A total of 34 people have been fatally injured in the rack, with most during auto, motorcycle, and powerboat racing events.

Track Length: 2.5 mile Tri-Oval
Banking in Corners: 31 degrees
Banking in Tri-Oval: 18 degrees
Banking on Straights: 3 degrees
Length of Frontstretch: 3800 feet
Length of Backstretch: 3400 feet
Grandstand Seating: 147,000
Qualifying Record: Bill Elliott, 210.364 mph, 2/9/87

Coke Zero Schedule

Thursday, July 5
2:30 pm: Grandstand Gates Open
2:20-3:50: Nationwide Series Practice
4:00-5:20: Sprint Cup Series Practice
5:30-6:25: Nationwide Final Practice
6:35-8:00: Spring Cup Final Practice

Friday, July 6
2:00 pm: Grandstand Gates Open
2:05: Nationwide Series Qualifying
4:10: Sprint Cup Qualifying
7:30: Nationwide Series Race

Saturday, July 7
1:00 pm: Grandstand Gates Open
7:00 pm: Sprint Cup Driver Introductions
7:30 pm: Coke Zero 400 Starts (160 laps)

k:

 

[Vegasrunner]

Love night racing at Daytona

 

[cloverleaf]

I agree Vegas.....night racing seems more exciting to me. I also believe the drivers enjoy it more.

Read somewhere it cost the Daytona folks $240 per hour to lite the track. I would have though it
would have been much higher.

My favorite sport is college football and I like watching it anytime but I love games at night. Just
adds something to the total atmosphere of the game....least that's my view.

 

[Vegasrunner]

I agree much prefer night events myself

Who you liking this week clover and Matty

 

[MattyMatt]

Had Matt Kenseth written down and dialed in before the year even started for this race, and I still like my chances with him again this weekend. Granted it will be tough to sweep 2012 @ Daytona, but he should easily be a front runner. Car loves the Superspeedways of Daytona and Talledega this year, and without the separation of him and Biffle for some reason at Dega, he would have probably swept the SuperSpeedway races so far.

Gonna be a good un, boys...

 

[Vegasrunner]

I like the Kenseth plan. Biffle should be good as well. Could be a good spot for Gordon to turn around season

 

[MattyMatt]

I like the Kenseth plan. Biffle should be good as well. Could be a good spot for Gordon to turn around season

Agree. Biffle should be right there with Kenseth, again. And Gordon and all of the Hendrick crew should be strong. Gonna be a good un.

Love the night racing as well. More fun to watch and race in.

 

[Vegasrunner]

Intresting stat both Dale Sr and jr have won Daytona July race on the 7th same date of this years race

 

[Maxx40]

Agree, love night racing just hate plate/pack racing....gl to you guys this weekend

 

[cloverleaf]

If tonight's Sprint Cup race is anything like last night's Nationwide race...there's going to be a lot of torn up race cars. It looked like of the 43 cars that started, at least 35 of them were in one of the wrecks.

Big win for Kurt Busch last night.

How many cars has Mrs. P torn up this season? Seems like every race she wrecks or someone runs over her.

 

[Hamilbet]

Last night wasn''t her fault.

By the way, anyone know if they keep "night race" stats anywhere?

 

[Vegasrunner]

She had a fast car last night. Definitely not her fault for sure. Nice win for that Phoenix racing team

 

[MattyMatt]

Glad to see Kurt Busch win last night. A couple of guys that I race go-karts with are on the team. Nice to see them celebrate in Victory Lane last night. Alot of cars tore up last night, including the winner's as well. Tonight could be very interesting, and Kurt has a good shot tonight as well IMO. Man I'm so pumped for tonight! Between the race and UFC 148, this should be a night to remember. Good Luck to all tonight and Happy Racing!

 

[jimmmy4]

Anybody can win Daytona. The best spot to be in is the guy pushing the leader around turn 4, waiting to slingshot by. Kurt put a good block on Ricky last night coming up to the black flag.

 

[MattyMatt]

Anybody can win Daytona. The best spot to be in is the guy pushing the leader around turn 4, waiting to slingshot by. Kurt put a good block on Ricky last night coming up to the black flag.

I thought he was done for when he shot high and left Dillon to end up in the middle all alone for a second. Could've easily lost 10 spots, but Ricky pulled behind and saved him, and off they went. Kurt had a win or blow it up attitude last night, and damn what a motor to stay together. Looking forward to the same tonight.

 

[Vegasrunner]

I thought he was done for when he shot high and left Dillon to end up in the middle all alone for a second. Could've easily lost 10 spots, but Ricky pulled behind and saved him, and off they went. Kurt had a win or blow it up attitude last night, and damn what a motor to stay together. Looking forward to the same tonight.

I was amazed it didn't blow