The XXI Winter Olympics (7 p.m., NBC): Prime time turns into a winter wonderland over the next two

The XXI Winter Olympics (7 p.m., NBC): Prime time turns into a winter wonderland over the next two weeks as a different kind of cold war breaks out in Vancouver. The intense competition, which began in earnest Saturday, cranks up tonight with 25-year-old American ski sensation Lindsey Vonn scheduled to make her debut in the super combined. It’s the first of what Vonn hopes will be five events — and five medals. (At press time, she was dealing with a serious leg injury). The evening also delivers the start of figure skating with the pairs short program, along with men’s luge and men’s freestyle skiing. The Olympics run through Feb. 28. For daytime and prime-time programming over the duration of the games, consult your local listings.

Daytona 500 (1 p.m., Fox): If the Olympics fail to appease your need for speed, maybe the 52nd running of the Daytona 500 will be more to your liking. Mark Martin is this year’s pole-sitter, but he has yet to triumph in this event.

“The Amazing Race” (8 p.m., CBS): On your mark, get set .... go! It’s time for the 16th edition of “The Amazing Race” as 11 new teams make a mad dash around the globe. First destination: Chile.

“How to Make It in America” (10 p.m., HBO): “How to Make It in America” is a new comedy about a pair of Brooklyn pals (Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk) who are out to achieve fame on the New York fashion scene — apparently without the help of Tim Gunn.