2018 Daytona 500 returns to traditional date

Daytona

The 2018 Daytona 500, which will be the historic 60th running of NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious event, will return to its traditional date on Presidents Day weekend — Sunday, Feb. 18.

"We wanted to let all of our fans, partners and stakeholders know about this date adjustment in advance and give them ample time to make their travel plans for ‘The Great American Race,’ " Daytona Int’l Speedway President Chip Wile said. “The 60th annual Daytona 500 is going to be a significant milestone in the event’s history and we look forward to a special celebration."

The Daytona 500 has been traditionally held on Presidents Day weekend/George Washington’s birthday from 1968 to 2011. In fact, the inaugural Daytona 500 back in 1959 was held on George Washington’s birthday.