Start times announced for Daytona Speedweeks 2013 schedule

The 2012 Daytona 500 played to its own schedule and, after a series of rain delays, was finally run Monday evening.

But on paper, at least, the 2013 Daytona 500 is slotted for a 1 p.m. start on Feb. 24 – the fourth straight year the “Great American Race" has been scheduled for early afternoon on the final Sunday of Speedweeks.

The rest of the schedule, leading up to the 500-mile finale, looks familiar, beginning with the late-January events surrounding the Rolex 24 at Daytona, scheduled for Jan. 26-27, beginning and ending at 3:30 p.m.

Speedweeks will again feature two doubleheaders. On Saturday, Feb. 16, the 200-mile ARCA season opener is followed by that evening's high-profile Daytona Shootout, formerly known as the Budweiser Shootout. And on Thursday, Feb. 21, two 150-mile qualifying races (the “Budweiser Duel") will set the field for the Daytona 500.

SPEEDWEEKS 2013

Saturday, Sunday, Jan. 26-27: The 51st anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 16: Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Series race, 4:30 p.m.; Daytona Shootout, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 17: Daytona 500 qualifying, 1 p.m. – sets the front row for the Daytona 500 and sets the field for the Budweiser Duel qualifying races.

Thursday, Feb. 21: Budweiser Duel, 2 p.m. – two 150-mile qualifying races to set the field for the Daytona 500.

Friday, Feb. 22: NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Drive4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, 1 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 24: 55th annual Daytona 500, 1 p.m.