Okay, so you wanna know how I watch the Daytona 500? Buckle up, it’s a bit of a process, but totally worth it for “The Great American Race”.

First things first, figuring out when and where it’s on. I usually check the official NASCAR website or a sports app like ESPN. They always have the schedule plastered everywhere leading up to the race.
Next, deciding how to watch. This is where it gets interesting. I’ve got a few options depending on where I am and what I’m doing:
- The Traditional Route: TV. If I’m home, this is the go-to. Daytona on a big screen is the way to go. Usually it’s on FOX. I make sure my antenna is working, because my cable company is the worst.
- Streaming Services: If I’m not home, I turn to streaming. I’ve used services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV in the past. They usually carry FOX. You need a decent internet connection though, or you’ll be staring at a buffering wheel instead of roaring engines. I even tried that FuboTV once, they had the race, but I couldn’t figure out how to cancel it.
- NASCAR Mobile App: Okay, this is a last resort. The screen is tiny, and the data usage can be a killer, but if I’m stuck somewhere with nothing else, the NASCAR app has live race info and sometimes a live stream. It’s better than nothing.
- SiriusXM NASCAR Radio: This isn’t watching, but it’s a great way to follow the race if you’re driving or doing something where you can’t look at a screen. The commentators are usually pretty good, and you get all the pit stop action and strategy. I listen to this a lot while doing yard work.
Pre-Race Prep: Once I know how I’m watching, I get prepared. This means:
- Snacks and Drinks: This is crucial. You can’t watch a 500-mile race on an empty stomach. Chips, dip, pizza, wings… it all depends on the mood. And beer. Definitely beer.
- Comfort: Gotta make sure I’m comfy. This usually means my favorite chair, maybe a blanket if it’s chilly, and definitely the remote within easy reach.
- Minimizing Distractions: Let the family know I’m unavailable for the next few hours. No chores, no errands, just racing.
During the Race: Now the fun begins! I settle in, crank up the volume, and try to follow all the action. This usually involves yelling at the TV, cheering for my favorite driver (Go [Insert Favorite Driver Here]!), and complaining about the commercials. It can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, especially when there are late-race cautions.
Post-Race: Win or lose, I usually spend some time after the race dissecting what happened. Reading articles, watching highlights, and arguing with my buddies about the calls. It’s all part of the Daytona 500 experience. The next day I’ll be at the water cooler still going on about it.

So yeah, that’s how I watch the Daytona 500. It’s a tradition, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Hope this helps you enjoy “The Great American Race” as much as I do!