Find all the latest details from Daytona International Speedway, updated as information becomes available.

Green Earth Technologies’ G-OIL® named “Official Motor Oil” of Daytona International Speedway and the DAYTONA 500®

Daytona International Speedway announced Jan 30, 2013, a new partnership with Green Earth Technologies, Inc. (GET) (OTC Bulletin Board: GETG), naming the Florida-based makers of G-OIL®, the first bio-based full synthetic oil used in NASCAR competition, as the “Official Motor Oil” of Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona 500.

G-OIL made NASCAR history here at Daytona International Speedway in February 2012 when the TriStar Motorsports Toyota Camry driven by Tayler Malsam finished sixth in the DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series event. G-OIL is the world’s first and only bio-based fully synthetic motor oil to receive American Petroleum Institute certification.

“There is no better way to communicate that G-OIL meets the rigors of competition than by becoming the Official Motor Oil of the famed Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona 500,” said Jeffrey Loch, President and CMO of Green Earth Technologies. “NASCAR fans now know that G-OIL will deliver performance for them in their own cars.”

“G-OIL has been proven here in competition at Daytona International Speedway and we are pleased to welcome a Florida-based company that shares our commitment to performance and the environment to the Daytona International Speedway family of official sponsors,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III.

Independent tests report that 5W-30 G-OIL Bio-based Advanced Full Synthetic Green Motor Oil had a carbon footprint of about two thirds (67.3%) less than the conventional 5W-30 oil.

“Replacing just 1% of conventional motor oil with G-OIL would save around 137 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year, or the equivalent of planting 2.8 million trees,” said Loch.

G-OIL products will be used in all DIS official vehicles including fan shuttles, safety, maintenance, service and landscaping equipment.

ZAC BROWN BAND TO PERFORM THE DAYTONA 500 BUDWEISER PRE-RACE SHOW ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Grammy-award winning musicians Zac Brown Band will perform the Daytona 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show leading up to the start of “The Great American Race” at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 24 (FOX, FOX Deportes, MRN Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio).

Zac Brown Band will perform several songs prior to the start of the 55th annual Daytona 500 – the prestigious season-opening event to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the biggest stock car race in the world.

Zac Brown Band member and Southern Ground recording artist Clay Cook will sing the National Anthem. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist with Zac Brown Band, Cook has also recorded and toured with John Mayer, Sugarland, The Marshall Tucker Band, Shawn Mullins, and as a solo artist.

All race fans that purchase a Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access pass for the Daytona 500 will be able to enjoy Zac Brown Band’s Daytona 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show, as well as driver introductions, from the grass tri-oval area.

“Zac Brown Band will kick off pre-race activities for the 55th annual Daytona 500 with a rousing, heart-pumping concert that will be sure to get everyone on their feet and ready to race at Daytona International Speedway,” said Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “The group is renowned for their energetic live performances and they are the perfect complement to ‘The Great American Race.’ ”

Zac Brown Band’s latest album “Uncaged” (Atlantic/Southern Ground) has been nominated for Best Country Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards and debuted No. 1 on Billboard 200. The album follows the Georgia seven-piece’s triple-platinum major label debut ‘The Foundation’ (Atlantic Records/Home Grown/Big Picture) and platinum #1 follow-up ‘You Get What You Give’ (Atlantic/Southern Ground), which together produced a historic series of nine consecutive #1 hit singles. Since 2009, the band has garnered over 70 GRAMMY, ACM, AMA, CMA and CMT award nominations.

Zac Brown Band joins a long list of star-studded names that have performed in the Daytona 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show including Lenny Kravitz, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Bon Jovi, Five for Fighting and Kelly Clarkson.

In addition to his concert, a special ticket package designed around the Zac Brown Band has been created that includes a Daytona 500 grandstand ticket, Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access and VIP area access to Zac Brown Band’s performance. Packages start at $164. Fans that already have race tickets can add Pre-Race/Sprint FANZONE access along with VIP area access for $99. Packages go on sale Tuesday.

For more information on tickets for the 55th annual Daytona 500 and Sprint FANZONE/Pre-Race access, race fans can go online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the Daytona 500 on FOX and FOX Deportes on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. ET.

Fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500 and #NASCARBattle. In addition, fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for all the latest news all season long.

For more information on the Zac Brown Band, please visit http://www.zacbrownband.com/ or http://shorefire.com/clients/zacbrownband/

Jimmie Johnson Appearance Highlights “The 48 Experience” Ticket Package for 55th Annual Daytona 500

Jimmie Johnson, five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and the 2006 Daytona 500 winner, has partnered with Daytona International Speedway to provide fans with “The 48 Experience,” the ultimate race fan package for the 55^th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 24.

“The 48 Experience” package, which is available for $148, includes:

One adult Daytona 500 backstretch tower seat
One child (ages 12 & under) Daytona 500 backstretch tower seat
15-minute question and answer session with Johnson near the backstretch grandstands
Children attending the question and answer session will have the opportunity to put together a Lowe’s Build and Grow race car
Daytona International Speedway and SPEED Channel special giveaways
Separate adult tickets for “The 48 Experience” are available for $115

Between 2006 and 2010, Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, won an unprecedented five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships. Johnson, who owns 60 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories, was also the first race car driver to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in 2009.

Tickets for “The 48 Experience Package” are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/48 or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

DIS Track Services and Fire Rescue Team Honored at NASCAR Track Services Summit

The Daytona International Speedway Track Services and Fire Rescue Team was honored with the Track Services Teamwork Award on Monday at the annual NASCAR Track Services Summit in Concord, N.C.

Each year the Track Services Teamwork Award is granted by NASCAR to a Track Services Team that has exemplified strong teamwork during an unexpected or adverse event at a NASCAR function.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Speedway was Senior Director of Track Operations Pete D’Agresta, Director of Emergency Services Troy Willrick and Speedway Fire Chief Mike Cordle.

“The Daytona International Speedway Track Services and Fire Rescue team demonstrated incredible teamwork during the 2012 Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “Faced with an extraordinary challenge, the Track Operations and Fire Rescue team exhibited coordination and professionalism that was nothing short of outstanding.

“Receiving the Track Services Teamwork Award is an honor for every member of the team at Daytona International Speedway.”

On Lap 160 of the 2012 Daytona 500, under caution, a car lost control and struck a jet dryer resulting in a fuel spill and fire. The Track Services and Fire Rescue Team responded immediately, ensured the safety of both drivers and suppressed and extinguished the fire. The crew then removed the damaged vehicles, cleaned up the remaining fuel and repaired the track surface.

The incident required EMS, Fire Rescue, Cleanup, Track Services and Engineering teams to work together efficiently and effectively to make certain the track was in condition for drivers to complete the race.

All of the rescue, fire, clean-up and repair work was completed in two hours and the race was able to resume to the checkered flag, which was taken by Matt Kenseth for a second time in his career.

Tickets for the 55^th Daytona 500 on February 24^th, as well as all Budweiser Speedweeks At Daytona events, are available online atwww.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for the latest news all season long.

The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona To Launch The 2013 NASCAR Season

Race Fans Eligible for Upgraded Experiences such as Grand Marshal and Honorary Starter; Race marks the Debut of the New Sprint Cup Series Cars

Sprint has partnered with Daytona International Speedway to sponsor The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona, the fan-favorite non-points event formerly known as the Daytona Shootout that traditionally kicks off the stock car portion of Budweiser Speedweeks 2013 and the NASCAR season.

The race will once again be held under the lights on Saturday night, Feb. 16 (FOX 8 p.m. ET) but will feature several new elements that will make this event even more of a fan favorite. Fans in attendance will be eligible to receive special upgraded race experiences from Sprint including roles as Grand Marshal, Honorary Starter, and trophy presenter. Fans can also help deliver the trophy to Gatorade Victory Lane or participate in driver introductions during pre-race ceremonies.

“Sprint is entering its 10th season as title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,” said Steve Gaffney, vice president of marketing for Sprint. “From the outset, we promised unprecedented access for race fans, and each year we challenge ourselves to honor that commitment in innovative ways. Thanks to the strength of our partnership with NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway, we have designed The Sprint Unlimited so that fans play a major role in all aspects of the event. It is the ideal way to start this milestone season, and we look forward to sharing all of the details later this month.”

In addition to the new fan elements, The Sprint Unlimited marks the first time the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race cars will compete on-track in an event. Dubbed “Gen 6,” the new-look sixth generation cars highlight greater brand identity for the manufacturers and are expected to heighten the rivalries among drivers and manufacturers.

“Now more than ever, through our growing partnership with Sprint, The Sprint Unlimited will be the fans’ race,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “Sprint has been a great partner with Daytona and NASCAR, and they continue to raise the bar by engaging race fans in new and innovative ways. We look forward to hearing about additional unique elements for this race in the coming weeks.

“We are also excited for the debut of the new Sprint Cup Series car, which we believe will provide thrilling on-track action and make The Sprint Unlimited an unforgettable launch to the 2013 season.”

As announced earlier in the year, the format for selecting the field of drivers in the invitation-only event will return to its roots for 2013. The eligible field of drivers will consist of pole winners from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and past winners of The Sprint Unlimited who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season.

Tickets for The Sprint Unlimited start at $39 and are available for purchase atwww.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Children 12 and under are free in general admission grandstands and the Sprint FANZONE.

Fans can follow Miss Sprint Cup (@MissSprintCup) and NASCAR (@NASCAR) on Twitter and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #SprintUnlimited, #NASCAR, #DAYTONA500 and #NASCARBattle.

In addition, fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Google+and Pinterest for all the latest news all season long.

The field for The Sprint Unlimited is currently at 22 drivers and features a who’s who of NASCAR stars.

2012 Pole Winners:

Greg Biffle

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Carl Edwards

Denny Hamlin

Kasey Kahne

Mark Martin

Jeff Gordon

Martin Truex Jr.

Tony Stewart

AJ Allmendinger

Aric Almirola

Joey Logano

Marcos Ambrose

Jimmie Johnson

Matt Kenseth

Kyle Busch

Juan Pablo Montoya

Past champions of The Sprint Unlimited:

Kurt Busch

Kevin Harvick

Bill Elliott

Terry Labonte

Ken Schrader

Start Times Finalized for Budweiser Speedweeks 2013 Events

For the fourth straight year, the 55th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24, NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race, is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time (TV – FOX Sports, Radio – MRN Radio).

Start times for the other remaining events of Budweiser Speedweeks 2013 at Daytona International Speedway are as follows:

•   The 51st anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series race, Jan. 26-27, 3:30 p.m. (SPEED)
•   The Lucas Oil 200 ARCA Racing Series, Saturday, Feb. 16, 4:30 p.m. (SPEED)
•   The Daytona Shootout non-points event, Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. (FOX)
•   Daytona 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger, Sunday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. (FOX)
•   Budweiser Duel At Daytona, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. (SPEED)
•   NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, Friday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. (SPEED)
•   DRIVE4COPD 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Saturday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. (ESPN)

Penske Racing’s Brad Keselowski will begin his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title defense in the season-opening 55th annual Daytona 500, which will mark the debut of the new 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. Dubbed “Gen 6,” the new-look sixth generation cars highlight greater brand identity for the manufacturers.

Matt Kenseth, who won the 2012 Daytona 500 with Roush Fenway Racing, will attempt to be the first driver since Sterling Marlin (1994-1995) to win “The Great American Race” for a second straight year with his new team Joe Gibbs Racing.

Tickets for NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – the 55th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24 – start at $65 and are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

For the second straight year, the Speedway is offering special youth pricing for the Daytona 500. Children 12 and under will receive 50 percent off all backstretch grandstand seats for the Daytona 500 while supplies last. In addition, children 12 and under are free in the Sprint FANZONE throughout Budweiser Speedweeks.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds bring air power to 55^th annual Daytona 500

World-Renowned Flying Team Will Soar Over Daytona International Speedway For Third Straight Year

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, known around the globe for their precision aerobatics, will perform the flyover for the 55^th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season opener on Sunday, Feb. 24, at Daytona International Speedway.

It’s the third consecutive year that the flying team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will perform the flyover for “The Great American Race.” The Thunderbirds also provided the flyover in 2008 for the 50^th running of the Daytona 500.

The Thunderbirds flyover will feature six F-16 Fighting Falcons, the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter aircraft, soaring over the Speedway at the end of the playing of the national anthem.

“It’s an honor for the third straight year to have the USAF Thunderbirds provide the flyover for the 55^th annual Daytona 500,” Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III said. “The Thunderbirds are known throughout the world for their precision and excellence in the skies. The thousands of race fans in attendance and the millions more watching on FOX are looking forward to a stirring flyover at the conclusion of the national anthem.”

This week, the USAF Thunderbirds are visiting Daytona Beach for the second time in 2012, this time to perform in Embry-Riddle’s “Wings and Waves Air Show,” which takes place on the Daytona Beach shoreline Oct. 13-14.

“We’ve developed such a great relationship with Daytona race fans over the years,” said Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, Thunderbirds commander and lead pilot. “We feel honored to contribute to the NASCAR experience during the 55^th annual Daytona 500.”

The Thunderbirds team is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots (including six demonstration pilots), four support officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted Airmen serving in about 30 Air Force job specialties.

Since the unit’s inception in 1953, more than 350 million people in all 50 states and 61 countries have witnessed the distinctive red, white and blue jets in thousands of official aerial demonstrations.

Tickets for NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race – the 55th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 24 – start at $65 and are available at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Fans can follow NASCAR on Twitter (@NASCAR) and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtags #NASCAR and #DAYTONA500. Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest for all the latest news all season long.

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