The 2026 Daytona 500 is primed to be another unforgettable edition of The Great American Race. Marking the 68th running of NASCAR’s most prestigious event, the 2026 race returns to Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Sunday, February 15, 2026 — and officially kicks off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Often called “The Great American Race,” the Daytona 500 combines speed, strategy, and unpredictability in a 200-lap, 500-mile test on one of motorsports’ most renowned tracks. This guide brings you everything you need to know — from the race’s rich history to the full 2026 schedule, how qualifying works, broadcasting details, and even predictions for what’s to come.
Background and Origins
The Daytona 500 was born from NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.’s vision to create a world-class racing facility that could host the biggest and fastest stock car races in the world. Prior to the track’s construction, stock car racing in the Daytona area took place on the hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach, where high-speed endurance runs helped define early motorsports culture.
In 1959, the newly built Daytona International Speedway opened its doors, and the first Daytona 500 was contested that year. It quickly established itself as NASCAR’s most important event — not just in terms of points or monetary prize, but in legacy and prestige.
The modern Daytona 500 blends prestige and fanfare, featuring elaborate pre-race festivities, tradition-steeped rituals, and an atmosphere unmatched in American motorsports. The event now anchors Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, a multi-day festival of racing that draws fans from across the globe.
History Highlights
Over its six-plus decades of competition, the Daytona 500 has delivered countless memorable moments:
Legendary Winners
- Richard Petty — holds multiple Daytona 500 victories and helped cement the race’s prestige in NASCAR lore.
- Dale Earnhardt — his long-awaited 1998 Daytona 500 win stands as one of the sport’s most emotional moments.
- William Byron — two-time back-to-back winner entering 2026, one of the few drivers in modern era to approach three consecutive Daytona 500 wins.
Historic Finishes
The Daytona 500 has produced photo finishes, last-lap passes, and dramatic overtime battles that defined entire seasons — including caution flags near the end that sent the race into extra laps.
Track Evolution
Daytona International Speedway’s high-banked 2.5-mile tri-oval has hosted the race since 1959, and its superspeedway format emphasizes drafting and pack racing — often leading to “The Big One,” massive multi-car crashes that reshuffle the field late in the race.
Schedule for Speedweeks and the 2026 Daytona 500
The 2026 Daytona 500 is part of an entire racing festival known as Speedweeks, a packed schedule of events leading up to the big race.
🗓 2026 Schedule (Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth)
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
- DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light — Drivers compete in single-car runs to set the front row and influence Duel race lineups.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
- America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona — Two high-stakes qualifying races that determine the rest of the starting grid for the Daytona 500.
Friday, February 13, 2026
- Fresh From Florida 250 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race under the lights, part of the lead-up festivities.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
- United Rentals 300 & General Tire 200 — Doubleheader featuring ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series action.
Sunday, February 15, 2026
- 68th Daytona 500 — The crown jewel of NASCAR returns as the first points race of the season.
This structure provides fans with nearly a full week of competition and entertainment before the Daytona 500 itself.
Qualifying Procedure
The Daytona 500’s qualifying system is unique in NASCAR, incorporating both single-car speed runs and short qualifying races to set the starting grid:
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Single-Car Qualifying
- Every team goes out alone to post their fastest lap.
- The fastest driver earns the pole position.
- The second-fastest driver earns the outside front row. These two positions are locked in heading into the Duel races.
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Duel at Daytona Also known as the Duel Races, this pair of 150-mile races sets the remainder of the field:
- The finish order of Duel Race 1 determines inside row starters.
- Duel Race 2 finish order fills the outside row starters. Positions not locked in by qualifying times are assigned based on finishing positions in these Duels.
This mixed system blends pure speed with strategic racing, as drafting and track position become essential.
Broadcasters and Media Coverage
The Daytona 500 consistently draws massive viewership in the U.S. and around the world.
📺 Television
- FOX retains U.S. television rights for the Daytona 500 and broadcasts the race live.
- Announcers include Mike Joy, Clint Bowyer, and Kevin Harvick, bringing detailed play-by-play and analysis.
- NASCAR’s pre-race and post-race programming also appears across the FOX Sports network.
📻 Radio
- The Motor Racing Network (MRN) provides live radio commentary and play-by-play.
- MRN’s team includes experienced broadcasters calling the race from multiple vantage points around the track.
🖥️ Digital Streaming
- Streaming options include FOX Sports digital platforms, official NASCAR apps, and national streaming services that carry the race broadcast (e.g., YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV).
Position Holders and Entry List
The 2026 Daytona 500 entry list is officially published ahead of Speedweeks. A remarkable field of competitors will take the green flag, including veterans and rising stars alike. Additionally, Jimmie Johnson is guaranteed a spot through the Open Exemption Provisional system for the second consecutive year.
This diverse roster blends seasoned competitors, past Daytona winners, and talented up-and-comers — ensuring high drama and unpredictability.
2026 Daytona 500 Predictions
Predicting a Daytona 500 winner is always challenging due to the race’s unique drafting and pack dynamics. The superspeedway format tends to:
- keep the field close together
- reward strategic teamwork
- create unexpected contenders late in the race
📊 Factors That Could Shape the Outcome
- Drafting alliances and teamwork in the final laps
- Avoidance of “The Big One” — late-race multi-car crashes that can end strong runs unexpectedly
- Pit strategy during cautions
- Weather and track conditions on race day
History shows that winners often emerge from the front group late in the race but are not always the fastest cars early on — making the final dozen laps the most exciting part of the 500.
🏆 Dark Horse Picks
While favorites may include multi-time winners and drivers from well-funded teams, don’t overlook:
- Past Daytona podium finishers
- Drivers with proven superspeedway skills
- A crew that executes flawless pit stops in the final stages
The 2026 Daytona 500 promises another thrilling chapter in NASCAR history. From its storied origins to its unique qualifying system and electrifying Speedweeks schedule, the Great American Race remains the premier event in motorsports. Whether you’re following traditional television coverage on FOX, listening on MRN, or streaming the action online, the Daytona 500 stands as the most anticipated and unpredictable race of the year.
With the checkered flag set to wave on Sunday, February 15, 2026, anticipation is already building for a dramatic conclusion that could define careers and create instant legends. Let the engines roar — Daytona Speedweeks are here!
