Here is some key dates and events to mark on your calendar as the 2013 season begins.
Thursday, Feb. 14
NASCAR Media Day. All Sprint Cup drivers will meet with the media, as well as many Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series drivers.Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danica Patrick, Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch and other NASCAR stars will be on hand to offer their insight heading into Speedweeks and 2013.
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Friday, Feb. 15
The practice garage opens for the first time with practices set for Saturday's Sprint Unlimited scheduled for 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Saturday, Feb. 16
Sprint Cup teams hit the track and begin preparations for Daytona 500 qualifying. The Sprint Unlimited field takes the green flag at 8:10 p.m. (TV: Fox)Sunday, Feb. 17
Daytona 500 qualifying (two laps, two positions) is set for 1:05 p.m. (TV: Fox)Wednesday, Feb. 20
Sprint Cup teams return to practice for Thursday's Budweiser Duel qualifying races. Practice sessions are scheduled for 12-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. (TV: Speed)Thursday, Feb. 21
The Budweiser Duel qualifying races to set the field for the Daytona 500 will begin at 2 p.m. (TV: Speed).Nationwide and truck teams will practice Thursday morning.
Friday, Feb. 22
Sprint Cup teams practice twice to prepare for the Daytona 500 — 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m.Truck and Nationwide teams qualify, beginning at 1:40 p.m.
The Camping World Truck Series race is set for 7:30 p.m. (TV: Speed)
Saturday, Feb. 23
The final Daytona 500 practice is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.The Nationwide Series race is for 1:15 p.m. (TV: ESPN)
