The Daytona 500, the most prestigious race on NASCAR's schedule, is a 500-mile stock car event held each February at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is traditionally the first race of NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series season, with the winner receiving the Harley J. Earl trophy. First held in 1959, the Daytona 500 is now known as "The Great American Race" and offers the biggest total prize money payout for any motorsports event in the United States. Richard Petty has won the race more times than any other driver; his seven wins include back-to-back victories in 1973 and 1974.
The 2012 Daytona 500 will be held on Feb. 26.