Follow all Daytona 500 coverage

The Generation-6 car testing is over. The Sprint Unlimited has been run (congratulations, Kevin Harvick). Danica Patrick has earned a historic pole.

Yes, the Daytona 500 is in plain view.

Read below for comprehensive coverage of the Great American Race from NASCAR.com.

Newtown not let down

Talk about pressure. Michael Waltrip wasn’t guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500, and his car — switched to No. 26 — honored victims of the Newtown, Conn., school shooting. David Caraviello details a nerve-wracking, but ultimately happy, day for the crew. | Read the full story

Duels set field

Kevin Harvick, who won The Sprint Unlimited last Saturday, won Duel 1 Thursday, putting himself in position to race up front at the Daytona 500. Kyle Busch won Duel 2. The ramifcations of both races are huge. | Read the full story

On the fast track

Danica Patrick made news all week — this time, for her on-track success. Her success story, though, goes far beyond the track. Holly Cain takes an in-depth look at the 30-year-old who continues to improve — and impress. | Read the full story

Viewer’s guide

Have a question — any question — about what’s going on at the track for Sunday’s Daytona 500? The NASCAR.com Viewer’s Guide lists all the practice times and relevant links you’ll need to navigate NASCAR’s busiest week. | Read the full story

Catch her if you can

Danica Patrick has the primo position, but there are plenty of racers ready to make the pass. David Caraviello looks at some of the drivers who have a chance to unseat Patrick on Sunday — starting with Jeff Gordon. | Read the full story
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Blown engine, blown chances?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sent to the back of the field for the Daytona Duels after blowing his engine during a Wednesday practice. The No. 88 driver ponders his Daytona chances. | Read the full story

Reflective state

Now that drivers are getting used to the new Generation-6 car, they are making some minor — but important — changes. Matt Kenseth, for example, is moving his mirrors by mere inches after a wreck during practice. | Read the full story

Paint preview

Cars are starting to get their final look before the green flag drops on Sunday. Perhaps the most meaningful paint scheme is that of Michael Waltrip, who switched numbers from No. 30 to No. 26 to honor victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. | Read the full story

By the Numbers

Take an in-depth look at the history of the Daytona 500 in this story told exclusively by numbers. From the youngest race winner to the oldest race winner, and practically everything in between, you’ll learn something new. | Read the full story

History at hand

Danica Patrick‘s historic pole at the Daytona has the entire sport buzzing. Its long-term ramifications, though, will almost certainly be felt far beyond the walls of Daytona International Speedway. Holly Cain explains this story’s full scope. | Read the full story

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