Race Day at Daytona: Next Up, Coke Zero 400

It's race day at Daytona. Fans have been trickling in since the gates opened at 8 am this morning.

Grand Am-Rolex cars were on the track early for practice. A 250 lap event sponsored by Brumo Porsche is scheduled for 1 pm EST.

Various model cars are entered for todays race. Porsche, Ford, Chevrolet, and Mazda's will race the 3.2 mile combination superspeedway/road coarse at Daytona.

Notables drivers in the field are Kyle Busch and actor Patrick Dempsy.

Jeremy Mayfield did not show up at Daytona. His absence has caused mixed feelings among the press and drivers.

A recent legal victory was the product of his request for "emergency injunctive relief".

His absence from the track brings about questions of was it really an emergency?

Kyle Petty is todays Grand Marshall. Vince Carter and Kellen Winslow Jr. are also on hand for todays festivities.

Carter is the honorary pace car driver, and Winslow Jr. is an honorary official.

John Smatter, founder of Papa Johns Pizza, is todays honorary starter.

It's time, lets go racing.

Wing Man

Rear wings with computer chips in them await distribution and installation into Sprint Cup cars.

A King and His Court

Richard Petty addresses the media. Topics included his 200th win, the Hall of Fame, drugs, and the future of Petty Enterprises.

The Pressure

In the media center Dale Jr. fields questions about his future, Brad Keselowski, the chase, and the Hall of Fame.

No Restrictor Plates

A fly over of F-18's got the Nationwide race in the mood for speed.

Kerry Earnhardt

Dale Earnhardts oldest son still loves to race. He qualified for the Nationwide race, but an early scuffle made his chances difficult.

Dont Touch That

Our own Kelly Crandal prepares for a tour of the ESPN studio.

McDreamy

Patrick Dempsy endures the heat of South Florida as he prepares to race.