Sights & Sounds: Getting ready for Fourth of July tradition in Daytona
Editor's note: Scroll down for updates...
Happy Fourth of July weekend to all the race fans out there, it is time for the annual Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Much like last night's XFINITY Series race, rain and thunderstorms are in the area of the track, but everyone is remaining hopeful.
With no action on the track until late in the evening, a number of drivers took advantage of the free morning to head to Daytona's famous beach for a little bit of relaxation before Sunday night's tense on-track action.
As the drivers took some time to relax, their teams were hard at work in the garage preparing for Sunday's 400-mile race under the lights.
The @LowesRacing ?? Chevy is heading to the grid. ?? pic.twitter.com/jrQP7odMb0
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 5, 2015
Pit boxes are ready! pic.twitter.com/zAADrWy6U1
— Roush Fenway Racing (@roushfenway) July 5, 2015
Tire prep for the No. 88 team #NW88JR pic.twitter.com/9oXeqjR4KQ
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 5, 2015
These two will lead the field to green tonight @DISupdates. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/fpmTyqcaDo
— RCR (@RCRracing) July 5, 2015
#9 crew is working hard to get the @TwistedTea Ford ready to tonight’s race @DISUpdates. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/wbYY15KUZR
— Twisted Tea (@TwistedTea) July 5, 2015
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Roush Fenway Racing all took some time to wish the United States Women's National Team good luck in their big Women's World Cup match against Japan later today (live, FOX, FOX Sports Go, 6 p.m. ET).
Good luck to @Nationwide and @TeamHeadTrainer teammate @alexmorgan13 and @ussoccer_wnt in the World Cup Final! #BandTogether #PlaySmart ????
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 5, 2015
Let's go @ussoccer_wnt! It's your time... #USA #OneMore pic.twitter.com/z8IcpuDzFm
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 5, 2015
We know you'll be busy watching the #CokeZero400 tonight, but make sure to support team USA tonight in the World Cup! pic.twitter.com/8LEtrutvwV
— Roush Fenway Racing (@roushfenway) July 5, 2015
Like most weekends, the drivers spent quality time before the race with hospitality guests, sponsors and fans.
This afternoon, @SamHornish stopped by the @FordPerformance display. Great to see all the fans! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/pLzyyPQxEQ
— RPMotorsports (@RPMotorsports) July 5, 2015
After their big announcement this week, @StenhouseJr talking to the guests of @FifthThird. pic.twitter.com/8F7pvwwhFu
— Andrea Perry (@PR17RFR) July 5, 2015
We're starting out w/ @CocaColaRacing & our troops. Thank you for your service. Enjoy the race! @grainger pic.twitter.com/qYQuMQjlwm
— RCR 31 Cup Team (@RCR31RNewman) July 5, 2015
Miss Sprint Cup, Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart talking with the fans at Daytona! pic.twitter.com/1tCIrL7nzS
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) July 5, 2015
@TonyStewart spends time with Ducks Unlimited and @BassProShops guests @DISupdates pic.twitter.com/wPkP5b01XB
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) July 5, 2015
Before heading into the driver/crew chief meeting, many drivers took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.
.@DaleJr signs a few autographs on his way into drivers meeting at @DISupdates #NW88JR pic.twitter.com/IlMaAptcxQ
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 5, 2015
.@RyanJNewman signs autographs for his @grainger racing fans before @DISupdates drivers meeting #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/McukK7W7ox
— RCR 31 Cup Team (@RCR31RNewman) July 5, 2015
.@kaseykahne, the multitasker. Fan autographs and an interview on the way to the driver's meeting. pic.twitter.com/kJZgGBnTAq
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 5, 2015
A busy and packed drivers meeting @DISupdates #NW88JR pic.twitter.com/27ycMgpbm1
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 5, 2015
A rain shower has soaked Daytona International Speedway, forcing the track to bump of driver introductions. With rain and severe weather often plaguing the July Daytona race, FOX NASCAR analyst Larry McReynolds believes this race should be moved to the traditional start time.
Ready for this to get on out of here!! ? pic.twitter.com/21yVU3Jmgv
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) July 5, 2015
UPDATE: #CokeZero400 Driver intros will take place at 7:15pm on the stage near pit exit, towards Turn 1.
— Daytona IntlSpeedway (@DISupdates) July 5, 2015
Once again, need to look at putting this race back at traditional am start time! Raining at @DISupdates Love night racing, not in July/FL.
— Larry McReynolds (@LarryMac28) July 5, 2015
Despite the wet weather, driver introductions went on as planned, but were a bit rain soaked.
Driver intros. ✔️ pic.twitter.com/PHR3RTho0H
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) July 5, 2015
Driver intros are underway, golf carts waiting to take drivers back to garage/motor coach. #RainDelay #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/ADvmaA1Du7
— JTG Daugherty Racing (@NASCAR47) July 5, 2015
.@davidspade chats it up backstage before #CokeZero400 driver introductions! -MM pic.twitter.com/BONhtvxhrp
— Miss Sprint Cup (@MissSprintCup) July 5, 2015
Sitting here @ drivers intros. Always a debate over whether to wear the drivers suit or not when it's raining. Didn't today. #ProbablyShould
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 5, 2015
#TeamNoSuit https://t.co/wDPt1U3oEt
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) July 5, 2015
Many of the teams and drivers waited out the rain by watching the U.S. Women's National Team score four early goals against Japan in the Women's World Cup Final on FOX.
#USAWomensSoccer GOAL!!! 2-0 already ??
— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) July 5, 2015
Unreal go TeamUSA 4-0 #IBelieveThatWeWillWin
— Austin Dillon (@austindillon3) July 5, 2015
Finally in front of a TV to watch @ussoccer_wnt. Looking great. Still early. Stay on the gas!! USA!!!??
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 5, 2015
