2004 Daytona 500

The 2004 Daytona 500, the 46th running of the event, was a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race held on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. The race was televised by NBC, with Allen Bestwick, 1975 winner Benny Parsons, and Wally Dallenbach, Jr. calling the action for the second time, following their 2002 commentary. It was the first NASCAR Nextel Cup race to air in high definition.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won the race, six years to the day after his father, Dale Earnhardt, won his first and only Daytona 500, while 2002 Cup champion Tony Stewart finished second and rookie Scott Wimmer finished third.