There is nothing like it…. it’s Sunday… and we’re getting ready for the 52^nd Annual Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

Here is the day in pictures…

A Daytona sunrise. Just spotted the Caliber in the media parking area and hopped out of the car. The temp is 34 degrees and the sun is coming up over the “World’s Most Famous Beach.”

First assignment of the day… taking a couple of JPG of Paul Kaminski of Johnson City, NY. He’s in Daytona to cover the race for CBS Radio News. That’s a Comrex Access strapped to his body. That’s how he delivers his reports to the unblinking eye in “the city” as well as other radio stations around the country.

The crowds beginning to gather in the Speedway’s FanZone at least four hours prior to Sunday’s Daytona 500.

Despite the early morning chill, the sun came out and that made pit road a very busy pre – race place.

A crew member of the No. 37 Extenze Ford driven by Travis Kvapil glues on lug nuts on a wheel which make up nine sets of Goodyear Eagle tires ready to use during the Daytona 500 . (more…)

The season – opening NASCAR COPD 300 pre-race news conference began the day.

On the stage of the Media Center was former NFL standout Michael Strahan, entertainer Patty Loveless, former Olympian Bruce Jenner and comedian Jim Belushi.

Former NFL player Michael Strahan at Saturday morning’s newser. He is one of the spokespeople for Drive4COPD..

Country entertainer Patty Loveless was in the Daytona Int’l. Speedway for Saturday’s newser. She was stuck at the Atlanta Airport, but after her flight was canceled, she was picked up by her tour bus driver and arrived in Daytona at 2:30 AM.

60 – year old former Olympian Bruce Jenner is also a spokesman for Drive4COPD. He’s also no stranger to the Daytona Int’l. Speedway. He competed in several Rolex 24 hour events in the ‘80’s…

Comedian Jim Belushi was present in the DIS Media Center on Saturday morning. He said it was so cold in Daytona that it was time to break out the snowmobiles.

It was only 40 degrees with clouds when arriving at the Speedway Saturday morning. Finally the sun broke through, but remained chilly. In the FanZone, guests are bundled up against the cold.

The fans in the stands were hardy souls as well…. braving the northwest winds thanks to a cold front which blew through the area Friday..

Several members of the pit crew for Stanton Barrett of Rick Ware Racing get ready for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Drive4COPD at the Daytona International Speedway.

The loneliest place at the Daytona International Speedway… inside the inspection area used for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. However, come Sunday, the place will be the center of the Motorsports universe..

Photos: Mark Williams/Content Editor

HalifaxAreaNewsWatch.com

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An action packed day at the sun – drenched Daytona International Speedway as several different events take center stage.
** The season – opening ARCA Series Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200
** Qualifying for the 52nd Annual Daytona 500
** The Budweiser Shootout
Here is the day in pictures….

ARCA Series cars are line up in the garage area waiting for NASCAR Cup Series qualifying for the Daytona 500 to conclude to they can get their season opening event underway.

Danica Patrick makes her stock car debut in her JR Motorsports/Hendrick Racing – backed GoDaddy – dot – com Chevrolet. She started the ARCA event in 12^th position.

Five time Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 ARCA Series winner Bobby Gerhart of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Chevrolet is lined up to do battle. He’s looking for his sixth victory.

Very sharp Ford Fusion driven by nine – time ARCA Series champ Frank Kimmel of Clarksville, Indiana. A new sponsorship deal ensures that Ansell & Menard will be on the side of the car through 2012. Frank is a class act.

John Wes Townley of Wakinsville, Georgia is a racer and he’s come to race. John Wes rolled off from the 9^th starting spot in his Toyota.

It was nice to see NASCAR Cup Series owner Richard Childress on pit road during qualifying for the 52^nd Annual Daytona 500. Childress fields Chevrolets for Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer..

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Joey Logano strolls to his Home Depot Toyota to prepare to turn a two qualifying laps for the 52^nd Annual Daytona 500.

What would a photo tour of the Daytona International Speedway be without a shot of our intrepid photographer. Here is a self – portrait of HalifaxAreaNewsWatch.com Content Editor Mark Williams…

Photos by: Mark Williams/Content Editor