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NASCAR Cup Series drivers meet with media ahead of Wednesday night qualifying

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The eyes and the attention of race fans all around the country are focusing on Central Florida this week as Daytona Speedweeks returns to Daytona International Speedway.

Wednesday’s qualifying rounds were just the beginning of what’s going to be a record-setting crowd come Sunday.

NASCAR said it’s making some changes when it comes to qualifying, moving to Wednesday instead of the Sunday before the race.

36 drivers are locked in the field, and six drivers will compete at 8 p.m. Wednesday for a chance to participate in Sunday’s race.

The six drivers trying to qualify for the race includes Travis Pastrana and seven-time cup series champ Jimmie Johnson.