Stars, fans come out to enjoy Daytona 500
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The pre-race for the Daytona 500 is like that of few other major sports events.
It rolled out across the broad "ballfield" adjacent to pit road and along pit row Sunday at Daytona International Speedway with a crowd of thousands looking on and, in some cases, participating.
Kid Rock contributed a vibrant pre-race concert, energizing the thousands of fans who crowded around the stage near the start-finish line.
The 43 cars in the field were lined up along pit road, the final adjustments and the last waxing having been done. For now, they were simply props for drivers, crew members and the hundreds of special guests who seem to make this race if none other.
There was actor Vince Vaughan, the race's grand marshal, chatting with team owner Rick Hendrick, standing beside the No. 24 Chevrolet that will carry Jeff Gordon in his final Daytona 500 ride today.
There was former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, decked out in a Boston Red Sox T-shirt and sunglasses, absorbing the moment.
There was singer Phillip Phillips, tuning up for the national anthem.
Wives, girlfriends, high-school pals, business partners, big-buck sponsors — all gathered with drivers at their cars to share the last minutes before 500 miles of anger.
And fans. Thousands spread across the green grass between pit road and the track surface, basking in the warmth and sunshine that had been missing for most of Speedweeks.
For the last day, the big day, the big race, it finally arrived. Seventies and sunny.
Missing were the Busch brothers.
Kyle Busch, injured in Saturday's Xfinity Series race, resting after surgery down the street at Halifax Medical Center.
Not missing — his fans. Among them, Janice Thrift, from Pompano Beach, decked out in M&Ms T-shirt and a Rowdy cap.
"We wish he was here, but we're here anyway," she said. "It's the Daytona 500. You can't miss it."
NASCAR suspended Kurt Busch on Friday for his involvement in an alleged act of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend.
PHOTOS: 2015 Daytona 500