For this year only, a Daytona 500 tradition dating back to 1997 will be changed.
The winning car is usually displayed outside of Daytona International Speedway in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America Museum until the following year, when a new victor is crowned.
However, with the advent of the Next Generation car, teams can no longer afford to lose one of their race cars for the full season. Due to supply chain challenges, restricted parts, and development delays, NASCAR has been compelled to modify its operations, at least just for 2022.
The winning car will stay overnight at the speedway and be present for the celebratory breakfast the next morning, but the team will be permitted to return it to the shop and race it again throughout the season. That isn’t all, however.
NASCAR will scan the winning car’s paint scheme and make an exact replica of it, complete with confetti. The wrap will be applied to the body of a Next Gen prototype that will be used in testing and exhibited as a substitute.
In 2023, the winner’s car will be allowed to stay in Daytona for the entire year.
Several masks inspired by NASCAR racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price:
