The 1982 Daytona 500, the 24th running of the event, was the first race of the 1982 NASCAR Winston Cup season. It was the first time that the Daytona 500 was chosen by NASCAR as the first race of the season.

Bobby Allison would take the win in the #88 Gatorade-sponsored Buick Regal. There were a total of 31 lead changes over the course of the race's 200 laps. Allison's margin of victory over Cale Yarborough was an impressive 23 seconds, more than half a lap.