NASCAR, Fox Sports and Daytona International Speedway officials have listened to the requests of hardcore race fans in announcing the starting time for the 52nd annual Daytona 500 will be 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 14, 2010.

"An earlier starting time for the Daytona 500 is great news for our race fans," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "In recent years, race fans made their desire very clear for an earlier starting time and with the help of our partners in the sport at NASCAR and FOX Sports, we're proud to deliver an earlier starting time for the 2010 Daytona 500."

The 1 p.m. scheduled sarting time for the 2010 Daytona 500 is the earliest since 2003 and is some 2 1/2 hours earlier than the 2009 Daytona 500.

"Earlier and more consistent start times is another important issue to the core NASCAR fans and we were determined to make the change this year beginning with the Daytona 500," said NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France.  "I appreciate the input and cooperation on behalf of Daytona International Speedway and FOX Sports to make this happen."

"The Daytona 500 is the premier event in all of auto racing and after listening to the NASCAR fans, we are excited about the new earlier start time," said FOX Sports Chairman David Hill.  "There is nothing like the energy and excitement of starting the season with the best drivers in the world competing on his extraordinary and historic track. We are counting down the days until February 14."

Tickets for the 52nd annual Daytona 500, which start at $55, as well as other Speedweeks 2010 events are available at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

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