Normally, there are only 40 cars in the Daytona 500, but this year, the race will have 41, thanks to NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional, which allows what the governing body deems as world-class drivers to enter the Daytona 500 if they don’t qualify on speed. Castroneves will get credit if he wins the race but no prize money or points.

When the sun goes down at Daytona International Speedway, the green flag drops on the infield bash that annually celebrates the over-the-top campy nature of NASCAR's Daytona 500 race week.