This year’s Daytona 500 auto race will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary a few days before the big race on Florida’s East Coast.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is sponsoring the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona that will highlight America’s founding in 1776 while honoring the start of Speedweeks that marks Florida’s history in racing. The event will take place on Feb. 12, only three days before the annual Daytona 500 race set for Feb. 15 at the Daytona International Speedway.
The FDOT event will seek to encourage safe driving for those using Florida’s roadways while at the same time, the sponsorship will mark America’s anniversary as drivers angle for their starting positions during the “duel” in the run-up to the actual Daytona 500 race. FDOT representatives will be on site at the Speedway to educate and promote safety tips for race fans.
“It’s an honor to welcome the Florida Department of Transportation as our new sponsor for the America 250 Florida Duel at DAYTONA to help kick off Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in 2026,” said Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “This sponsorship is a commitment to FDOT’s continued efforts to help keep Volusia County’s roadways safe. As we move forward on the shared journey toward a brighter future in Florida, there’s no better place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence than at The World Center of Racing.”
While America’s founding will be a centerpiece of the partnership, Florida’s unique prominence of “the birthplace of speed” will also be featured during the FDOT events at the Speedway. Florida’s heritage in racing will be displayed throughout the events leading up to the 68th running of the Daytona 500. Officials say Florida’s racing industry now dates back 125 years.
“The history of automobile racing in Florida began in 1903 with a line drawn on the Florida sand, and throughout the years, the sport has rapidly grown in the state to make the Daytona 500 the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar. Duel at Daytona is an exciting way to commemorate that history for the America250FL initiative which celebrates Florida’s role in the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding.” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Chair of Florida’s Semiquincentennial Commission. “Visit America250FL.com and follow America250FL on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed about ways to commemorate America250FL and our history.”
