Daytona International Speedway and the Federation of State Beef Councils announced today that the historic 40th season-opening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the 2.5-mile venue will be known as the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300.
The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ® 300 is set for a 5 p.m. ET start on Saturday, Feb. 13, the day before the 63rd Annual DAYTONA 500. It will be a part of a doubleheader, which will also feature the Lucas Oil 200 Driven By General Tire for the ARCA Menards Series. NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Noah Gragson, who pilots the No. 9 for JR Motorsports, is the defending champion of the race.
The Federation of State Beef Councils, which is housed at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and works on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, is a consumer-focused, producer-directed organization representing the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry. The Federation of State Beef Councils works tirelessly to represent the interests of the nation’s cattle farmers and ranchers, to ensure consumers have continuous access to great tasting beef that Americans know and love, and rely on as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
“We’re excited to sponsor the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300, and provide a showcase for America’s hard-working farmers and ranchers,” said Marty Smith, a rancher from Ocala, Florida and president of NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. “This is one of the nation’s premiere sporting events and it’s the perfect opportunity to help us promote the nutritional benefits of great tasting beef to millions of consumers in the U.S. and around the globe.”
The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ® 300 expands a current partnership between beef producers and Daytona International Speedway, where in 2020, the track produced “Race Day Recipes” on digital channels in which Speedway President Chip Wile demonstrated his beef grilling expertise to showcase the NASCAR experience – especially to campers and tailgaters who love to enjoy delicious beef recipes as part of their celebration of NASCAR events.
“We are so excited to grow our relationship with beef farmers and ranchers with the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ® 300,” said Wile. “We’ve had a great time this year showcasing many ways for families to enjoy beef, and this incredible race will help us get the word out to even more millions of consumers. The NASCAR Xfinity Series at the World Center of Racing has been a long-time tradition for 40 years and we’re happy to showcase the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ® 300.”
The 31-degree banked Daytona International Speedway held the first event for the new NASCAR Xfinity Series race in 1982, and the late Dale Earnhardt came home the winner. In fact, Earnhardt won a total of seven Xfinity Series season-openers at Daytona, including five in-a-row from 1990-94.
All guests will be screened before entering the facility for the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. ® 300 as well as all events as part of DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth (Feb. 9-14). Fans will be required to wear face coverings while maintaining six feet social distancing throughout their visit. Information, including all ticket options and safety protocols, can be found by visiting www.DAYTONA500.com/updates or calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
Tickets for Speedweeks events, excluding the DAYTONA 500, and a limited number of premium and extended-stay camping packages, are still available. Fans wishing to attend are encouraged to make their plans early and secure their seats or camping experience now. Excluding the DAYTONA 500, children 12 and under are FREE in the 100 level seating and $10 in all other reserved seating.
For information and a complete schedule of all racing events as part of Speedweeks, including the Tuesday night kickoff Busch Clash on the DAYTONA Road Course, log onto www.DAYTONA500.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.
— Daytona International Speedway —
