The Sprint Cup season officially kicks off Sunday when the green flag drops on the 2012 Daytona 500, run on the 2.5 mile track at Daytona International Speedway. Often called the Super Bowl of NASCAR, Daytona is the sport's most prestigious event and grandest spectacle. Carl Edwards is the pole sitter for the 54th running of the Daytona 500.
Here is what you need to know for the race:
Daytona 500 Start Time: Though the start time is officially listed as 1:00 P.M. EST, the green flag will not officially drop until 1:29 P.M. EST, after co-grand marshals Kate Upton of SI swimsuit issue fame and Jane Lynch of the television show Glee give the drivers the word to start their engines, with WWE superstar John Cena waving the green flag at 1:29 P.M.
TV and radio: The race can be seen on FOX, with pre-race coverage beginning at 12:00 noon EST. The race can be heard on the radio on local Motor Racing Network (MRN) affiliates. Here is the list of stations where you can listen (you can also listen online for free).
For more on the Great American Race, check out SB Nation NASCAR's Daytona 500 stream, as well as NASCAR Ranting & Raving.