NASCAR Legend Dave Marcis Returns to Daytona After 20 Years

The 85-year-old holds the record for most Daytona 500 starts with 33.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dave Marcis, a NASCAR legend who holds the record for most Daytona 500 starts with 33, returned to the Daytona International Speedway on Thursday for the first time in 20 years. Marcis, who retired from Cup Series racing in 2002, was a familiar face at Daytona for many years, serving as a test driver for the IROC Series and competing in 883 Cup Series races between 1968 and 2002, with five career wins.

Why it matters

Marcis' return to Daytona is significant as he was a fixture at the track for decades, and his presence at the iconic speedway is a reminder of NASCAR's rich history and the enduring legacy of its legendary drivers.

The details

Marcis, who turns 85 in three weeks, said he had not been back to Daytona since retiring from testing the IROC cars in 2006. He was making his way around the paddock on Thursday, looking familiar in his Goodyear cap and jacket. Marcis held the record for most Daytona 500 starts with 33, and his best finish in the race was a sixth-place result in 1978. He had five career Cup Series wins and was the runner-up to Richard Petty for the 1975 Cup championship.

  • Marcis retired from Cup Series racing in 2002.
  • Marcis continued testing IROC cars at Daytona until 2006.
  • Marcis had not been back to Daytona in 20 years prior to his return on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Dave Marcis

An 85-year-old NASCAR legend who holds the record for most Daytona 500 starts with 33, and had five career Cup Series wins between 1968 and 2002.

Richard Petty

A NASCAR icon who won the 1975 Cup championship, defeating Marcis for the title.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I retired in 2002, but kept testing the IROC cars here until 2006, and hadn't been back since.”

— Dave Marcis (floridatoday.com)

What’s next

Marcis is expected to attend the 2026 Daytona 500 on February 16, marking his first appearance at the race in over 20 years.

The takeaway

Marcis' return to Daytona after two decades away is a testament to his enduring legacy in NASCAR and the deep connection he has with the sport's most iconic racetrack. His presence at the track serves as a reminder of the rich history and tradition that makes NASCAR such a beloved and storied American sport.