The Daytona 500, NASCAR's season opening race began Feb. 22 and, just in time for the "start your engines" command, sign-ups are underway for the Times News 2015 Auto Racing Challenge.

At the end of the 37-race season, one contestant will win a chance at a local grand prize of a new vehicle from Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Slatington.Weekly winners receive a $20 gift certificate to Popcorn Buddha in East Stroudsburg.

According to Kevin Hardy, Times News regional advertising director, the contest works in much the same way as fantasy football or baseball.

Each week, contestants will be able to pick the drivers they feel will finish in the top 10 for that race.

Points will be calculated based on how those drivers finish.

The good news is a contestant doesn't have to play all 37 weeks to be eligible for the new car.

"The contest takes the individual's best 15 weeks and based on that, the top three scorers at the end of the season will have a chance at the top prize," Hardy said. The top three will join the 37 weekly winners, for up to 40 people, in a drawing for the car."

Right now, the drawing is scheduled for December at Rentschler, but the date is subject to change," Hardy said.

The winner gets a voucher for up to $30,000, which they can use to choose any Dodge, Chevrolet, RAM, Jeep or Chrysler at the dealership.

There are also national prizes including a Sprint Cup-themed Fathead of the winner's choosing for weekly winners and a grand prize trip for two to the 2016 Daytona 500 valued at $4,200. Included are four days and three nights accommodations, two tickets (each) to the Friday, Saturday and Sunday races and $1,000 airfare voucher.

Hardy said contestants can sign up by clicking the contest tab on the Times News website, www.tnonline.com, or any of the Lehigh Valley Press websites.

In addition to Rentschler and Popcorn Buddha, local sponsors include Adam R. Weaver Esq., L&S Electrical Construction, Blue Ridge Auto Service and Tire and Blocker Enterprises.

This is the first NASCAR contest from the Times News and Hardy said to look for future endeavors such as cutest pet and college basketball tournament contests.