In this age and generation, no other sports event can truly capture and demonstrate the essence of the phrase the need for speed than the prestigious International Daytona 500 Speedway race. This heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping sports car race serves as the opening treat of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Sprint Cup Series for thousands of its fans and car racing aficionados. And it truly deserves to be the opening salvo for every season of the NASCAR Sprint Cup series since it truly gives the viewers the adrenaline rush that they crave. Thus, read on if you want to know more details about the sports car race that is widely dubbed as The Great American Race or The Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing.

The International Daytona 500 Speedway race or Daytona 500 is an annual car racing event that has been sponsored by NASCAR since 1959. It happens in Daytona, Florida, a well-known travel destination in the United States since it is home to lovely white sandy beaches, glorious waves, good food, and lively folks. The race car drivers compete in a 2.5 mile race track which can seat 168,000 fans.

A 500-mile race that is consisted of 200 action-packed laps is the simple description of the International Daytona 500 Speedway race. The winning car racer gets to have the Harley J. Earl Trophy. Earl used to be an automobile designer who served as NASCARs second commissioner. Aside from the trophy and the cash prize, the winner also receives the privilege to display their sports car for a year at Daytona 500 Experience, a museum and gallery entirely dedicated to the race.

A unique qualifying round characterizes Daytona 500. It gives the top 35 teams of the previous years race an automatic qualification to compete in the current race. Then, a week before the actual race, it holds 150-mile qualifying races where the top two emerging teams will automatically earn the opportunity to be added to the first 35 teams. To complete the list, the remaining 6 spots will be given to other top performers and previous champions.

The International Daytona 500 Speedway has experienced its fair share of remarkable winning moments and tragedies. David Pearsons victory in 1971 over Richard Perry who was then known as the King of Racing was one of Daytona 500s glorious moments. However, the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt, a 34-time Daytona 500 champion, in 2001 has caused fans of the race and the race driver himself some moments of reflection on the risks of race car driving.

Earnhardts death has resulted to some modifications on the safety measures for the participating teams in the International Daytona 500 Speedway race. Since the death, the race car drivers have been required to wear the HANS device or the Head and Neck Support. Also, restrictor plates have been implemented on the race to ensure the safety of the car drivers. Restrictor plates limit the maximum speed of the cars to 190 miles per hour during the race.

True blue sports car racing fans will definitely not miss the 2012 International Daytona 500 Speedway car racing event. Missing it will be like saying no to the chance to spend a day full of fun, action, and excitement. Thus, if I were you, I would now definitely book my 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tickets or make sure that I have enough money to buy the 2012 NASCAR Pay-Per -View deals from my cable provider.