MAIN Sports NASCAR Daytona 500

also see -> Coke Zero 400

Rain didn't dampen the excitment as the green flag dropped on the 200-lap, 500 mile race tearing down the track at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

This year - from the 12th through the big race on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - DIRECT TV Speedweeks featured traditional action-packed races to decide starting positions before the main event.

That's when fans fastened their seat belts for the historic 51st running of the Daytona 500 with the green flag dropping at 3:30 PM ET.

Celebrity watch: This year, country superstar Keith Urban played the pre-show extravaganza, but it was country newcomer Julianne Hough who got to perform the national anthem.at start time with the full race schedule televised on FOX.

Official Results:

Matt Kenseth, 1st
Ken Harvick, 2nd
AJ Allmendigner, 3rd
Clint Bowyer, 4th
Elliott Sadler, 5th

Daytona 500 Mania

How popular is the Daytona 500? It's only the most highly-rated and watched race throughout the year, kicking off the racing year for NASCAR's top prize, the Sprint Cup.

Every seat in the house at Daytona is taken, while literally millions of Americans tune in to cheer their favorite drivers as they celebrate at racy day parties nationwide.

Elsewhere on the Web, find out more about the Daytona 500 with background facts & information on the cars and top drivers including picture galleries, video clips of memorable moments, and a bit of history and trivia behind the "Super Bowl of NASCAR" ...

Daytona Int'l Speedway - The official site with all the latest action, driver profiles, photo gallery, trivia, stats, schedule, track map, online shop and ticket information, plus info on the area and a complete schedle of all the Daytona races..

NASCAR on FOX - The official TV channel of the Daytona 500 with the complete schedule, picture galleries, feature stories and more as race day draws near ...

NASCAR.com - All you need to know about the Daytona 500 including info on the cars, the drivers, the numbers, the track...you name it. Videos, audio and news on the current race. Stop in at the game room and try you hand at one of the challenges...

Daytona 500 - Some interesting information on the history of the race and a link to a listing of all of the Daytona 500 winners from Richard Petty's win in the first race in 1959. There is also a link to the list of current NASCAR races.

Daytona Race Fans - Daytona area info, racing info, racing photos, driver info - with links to each driver's official Web site - NASCAR links and a message board.

Race Day Party Ideas

Race Car Party - Lots of good ideas for adult or kids race car parties with tips on do-it-yourself invitations, decorations, party food, cakes, games & activities.

Rev Things Up with These NASCAR Recipes - Archived online report from the Today Show with featured recipes and video clips to get you going...

The Racing Party - This is quite a selection of party ideas based on race cars. There are kids parties and adult parties. Go through, mix and match and you'll have more than enough inspiration for your own Daytona 500 invitations, decorations, party treats and favors.

Car Birthday Party Theme - Hot Wheels - Nascar - Lots of fun kid stuff with ideas for decorations, games, activities and treats, from AmazingMoms.com

also see in Entertaining -> NASCAR & Race Day Party Ideas

Related Links:

Shopping Cars

also see in Sports Stars -> Dale Earnhardt, Jr. | Jeff Gordon

Jimmie Johnson | Danica Patrick | Tony Stewart