The Daytona 500 is an auto race held in Daytona Beach , Florida . The winner of the Daytona 500 is presented with the Harley J. Earl Trophy in Victory Lane , and the winning car is displayed , in race-winning condition , for one year at Daytona 500 Experience , a museum and gallery adjacent to Daytona International Speedway . The race is the direct successor of shorter races held on Daytona Beach .