Every Daytona 500 champion in NASCAR history (2025 edition)

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2022 and has been updated.

The Daytona 500 is one of the NASCAR Cup Series’ crown-jewel races. It’s the crown jewel of crown jewels and by far, the biggest race of the NASCAR schedule. It also opens the 36-race season every year at Daytona International Speedway.

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.

DAYTONA 500: Why NASCAR’s Daytona track has its own massive lake

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 every Daytona 500 winner since the first race in 1959.