Over $19 Million in Prize Money for the Daytona 500

After a few years of decline NASCAR teams’ finances are improving.In less than three weeks' time, the 2012 NASCAR season will kick start at the traditional Daytona 500. It is the first Sprint Cup Series race of the year and the prize will be bigger than ever as drivers will share over $19 million. The winner will take home at least $1.4 million.Another $200,000 will be awarded to the driver who leads the race at the half way point. That is a healthy financial situation for a series that has suffered from a dramatic loss of spectators and sponsors during the recession.According to various reports, towards the beginning of the new season, specifically at the Daytona 500, there are improvements in teams' sponsorship deals. Major corporations have signed new agreements or renewed existing ones with the racing teams, allowing a short sigh of relief to 'impoverished' team owners.The Penske team, whose records in IndyCar and the Indy 500 are much more consequential than its NASCAR records, has extended its contract with MillerCoors for the Dodge No. 2 car driven by Brad Keselowski. Miller Lite logos will decorate that car.