NASCAR history: Every Daytona 500 champion since 2000

The Daytona 500 is one of the NASCAR Cup Series’ crown-jewel races. It’s the crown jewel of crown jewels and a race casually referred to as the Super Bowl of NASCAR. It is, by far, the biggest race of the NASCAR schedule, and it opens the season every year.

Drivers would do just about anything to take NASCAR’s most coveted checkered flag, and it has and continues to elude many of the sport’s best competitors.

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Winning the Daytona 500 can be a career- and life-changing moment, securing a driver’s permanent place in NASCAR history and hoisting the massive Harley J. Earl Trophy. So here’s a look back at all the Daytona 500 winners since 2000.

The 2022 Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX.