Next year's Daytona 500 is Feb. 24

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The 2013 Daytona 500 will remain the last Sunday in February.

Track president Joie Chitwood confirmed Friday that "The Great American Race" would start on Feb. 24 in 2013. The race was moved from its traditional second or third week of February this year for the first time since 1971 as NASCAR eliminated its early March weekend off.

Chitwood also announced that Budweiser will be the official sponsor of the 150-mile qualifying races and Speedweeks, making it the Budweiser Duels and Budweiser Speedweeks.

Gatorade, which has been the official sponsor of the duels, will remain an active sponsor with the track, Chitwood said.

Coors could be in the picture, with pole winners being added to the field for next year's Shootout.

Coors is the official sponsor of the weekly pole award.

David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com

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David Newton | email

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• NASCAR writer for ESPN.com
• NFL, college football writer for 20 years
• National award winner in motorsports coverage