For Earnhardt, this entry comes on the 24th anniversary of when his father was killed during the 2001 Daytona 500. The younger Earnhardt, now 50, won the Daytona 500 as a driver in 2004 and 2014.

In the zMAX CARS Tour, the Taz car made its return to the track 25 years after its NASCAR debut in the Daytona 500.

But the weekend will also be marked by somber tributes. Sunday's race in Daytona Beach, Fla., will be the 10-year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s death on that same track.

Dale Earnhardt Jr—that's right, the guy who has not been to the winner's circle in 129 races, since June 2008—is the favorite to win the 2012 Daytona 500.

For Earnhardt, this entry comes on the 24th anniversary of when his father was killed during the 2001 Daytona 500. The younger Earnhardt, now 50, won the Daytona 500 as a driver in 2004 and 2014.