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Daytona Pole Day

Get your engines ready for Daytona Pole Day – it's full-throttle excitement as drivers compete for the coveted top spot in the race line-up!

Thursday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDaytona Pole Day (Wed before Daytona 500)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSports

SUBCATEGORYRaces

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Start your engines and get ready for excitement on February 18 – it's Daytona Pole Day! This exciting competition determines the starting position in the legendary Daytona 500 line-up. And it isn't just about speed, it's also about strategy, teamwork, and precision. This event has been a thrilling tradition since 1959, when professional driver Bob Welborn dazzled the crowd and secured the very first Pole position. What a ride it's been since then! Join as we countdown to Daytona Pole Day, when the roar of engines fills the air and seizes the hearts of motorsport fans everywhere. Gear up for this high-octane experience! Get ready... set...go! The excitement of Daytona Pole Day awaits!

TIMELINE

Daytona Pole Day Timeline

Daytona Pole Day Begins

Daytona Pole Day started as part of the inaugural Daytona 500, with Bob Welborn securing the first Pole position.

Record Speed

Buddy Baker set a record pole speed of over 200 mph (320 km/h), the first to do so in NASCAR history.

Fastest Recorded Pole Speed

Bill Elliott set the fastest recorded pole speed at Daytona International Speedway, an unsurpassed 210.364 mph.

Jeff Gordon's Triumph

Jeff Gordon won the Daytona 500 after securing Pole position on Daytona Pole Day, marking his second win of the race.

Female Driver on Pole

Danica Patrick became the first female driver to secure the Pole position in Daytona 500 history.

Recent Notable Achievement

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the Pole position for the Daytona 500 with a speed of 194.582 mph.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Daytona Pole Day

Plan a race-themed party

Invite your friends over for a race-themed party to celebrate Daytona Pole Day. Decorate your place with checkered flags and banners, serve up race car-themed snacks, and present trophies for best dressed or most knowledgeable about car racing.

GET

Get creative with predictions

Who will get the Pole position this year? Get together with friends and make predictions on who will take the top spot. You can make it even more interesting by placing friendly wagers or creating a prediction pool.

VISIT

Visit a local speedway

Head to a local speedway or karting place and feel the thrill of racing! Whether you're taking a ride or watching others, experiencing the adrenaline rush can be a great way to get in the spirit of Daytona Pole Day.

RUN

Run your own mini-race

Set up a mini-race in your backyard or park with remote control cars or pedal-powered go-karts. It may not be as fast but it can sure be as fun and competitive as the real race!

LEARN

Learn about the history of car racing

Read up on the history of car racing, especially Daytona Pole Day. Understanding its roots and evolution can add more depth to your viewing experience. Plus, you'll have fun facts to share with your friends!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Daytona Pole Day

Engages Community Spirit

On Daytona Pole Day, people come together to plan race-themed parties, make predictions, visit local speedways, and even organise mini-races! It's an event that encourages friendly competition and builds community spirit - perfect for any motorsport enthusiast!

Thrilling Competition

Daytona Pole Day is a high-octane event where the fastest drivers compete for the top spot in the legendary Daytona 500 line-up. The anticipation and excitement of this competition are addictive. This is not just about speed, but also about precise driving, strategic planning, and team cooperation.

A Tradition of Excellence

This event has been a tradition since 1959 and has seen many legendary drivers securing the pole position. Being a part of this tradition and following the line-up of top drivers over the years is exciting for fans who love the history and heritage of motorsports.

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