2009 Daytona 500

The 2009 Daytona 500, the 51st running of the event, was the first points-paying race to open the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The race was won by Matt Kenseth making a car numbered 17 winning the Daytona 500 for the first time in 20 years since Darrell Waltrip's win back in 1989 and the first Daytona 500 win for Roush Fenway Racing. The 500-mile race was held on February 15 at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The race was called off with 48 laps to go after a severe rainstorm that had been lingering throughout the area hit the track.

The Grand Marshal was the Governor of Florida Charlie Crist, singer Gavin DeGraw sang the National Anthem, and actor Tom Cruise drove the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro pace car to the start of the race.