Daytona 500 today: free live stream, time, TV channel for NASCAR Cup Series race

Daytona 500 driver Anthony Alfredo qualified for the race, bringing joy and excitement to the Beard Motorsports team and family.

The Daytona 500, a NASCAR Cup Series race, is set to take place at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on Sunday, February 18, 2024. Anthony Alfredo, known as "Fast Pasta," qualified for the Daytona 500, a significant achievement for the 24-year-old. After qualifying, he was embraced by retired driver Brendan Gaughan, who has become a mentor to him. The emotional moment was shared with team owner Linda Beard and her daughter Amie, highlighting the strong family ties at the heart of Beard Motorsports.

The team, which races only a few times each season and does not own a charter, failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 last year. However, this year, Alfredo's qualification is a symbol of hope and determination for the Beards and a tribute to the late patriarch of the team, Mark Beard. Linda and her children, Amie and Mark Jr., run the team for the Daytona 500 and three other superspeedway races scheduled for the season, making it more than just a Michigan-based race team but a family business.

The team, with one full-time employee, crew chief Darren Shaw, has been kept afloat by the dedication of the family and the support of Gaughan, who has been a pivotal figure in the team's journey. Mark Beard, who passed away in 2021, had a deep passion for motorsports and Daytona, and founded his Cup team in 2014 to promote Beard Oil Distributing, a third-generation family business based in Michigan. Gaughan's involvement with the team and his emotional connection to the Beards is a testament to the strong bonds formed within the NASCAR community.

Alfredo's qualification for the Daytona 500 is a significant milestone in the team's history, and it reflects the dedication and resilience of the Beards. Despite being a small team, Beard Motorsports invests in high-quality equipment for Daytona and its limited races, ensuring that they are competitive and not just there to make up the numbers. Alfredo's participation in the race, with a top-of-the-line engine built by Earnhardt-Childress Racing, is a testament to the team's commitment to excellence.

As they prepare for the Daytona 500, the Beards are emotional but determined to honor Mark Beard's legacy and make the most of the opportunity. The significance of the race and the family's connection to Daytona adds an extra layer of emotion and meaning to their participation. For a small team like Beard Motorsports, every race is a blessing, and they are grateful for the chance to compete at the highest level of NASCAR.

Share With Others