2026 Daytona 500: Drivers Race for Big Prize with Many Stories

The 2026 Daytona 500 race is happening soon. Many drivers want to win the big prize. Some drivers could make history with a win. Learn about the race and how to watch it.
By Newsroom | Motorsports, Daytona Beach |

The 2026 Daytona 500 is poised to be a significant event, with established champions and determined contenders converging on Daytona International Speedway. Beyond the pursuit of the coveted Harley J. Earl Trophy, this year's race presents a series of compelling narratives. Several drivers are on the cusp of historic achievements, including the possibility of consecutive victories, record-tying wins, and long-awaited first triumphs in "The Great American Race." The competition promises not only speed and skill but also the unpredictable drama inherent to superspeedway racing, where survival often plays as crucial a role as outright performance.

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Key Figures and Historic Pursuits

This year's Daytona 500 features several drivers with a chance to etch their names further into NASCAR history.

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  • William Byron, the two-time defending champion, aims to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive win. Should he succeed, he would be the first driver in history to accomplish this feat.

  • Denny Hamlin, a three-time winner of the event, is pursuing his fourth victory. A win would place him in an elite group, tied with Cale Yarborough for the second-most Daytona 500 wins.

  • Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, is starting from the pole and is seeking his first Daytona 500 win in his 21st attempt.

  • Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, returns to the Daytona 500. Johnson is a two-time winner of the event.

Underdogs and Comeback Stories

While celebrated champions command attention, the 2026 Daytona 500 also highlights drivers overcoming adversity and unexpected entrants vying for a spot.

Read More: Austin Hill Wins Wild Daytona Race After Many Crashes

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  • Brad Keselowski is competing despite a broken femur sustained in the off-season, utilizing a walking cane at Daytona. He has expressed his intention to complete the entire 500 miles.

  • Casey Mears and B.J. McLeod have secured spots in the Daytona 500, a notable achievement for drivers who had to beat the odds to qualify. Mears has not attempted the Daytona 500 in seven years.

Race Details and Broadcast Information

The 68th running of the Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 15th. The race will consist of 200 laps covering 500 miles.

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  • Pre-race Show: Starts at 11:30 a.m. EST on FOX.

  • Green Flag: Set for 1:30 p.m. EST (or 2:13 p.m. EST according to one source) on FOX.

  • Viewing Options: The race will be broadcast on FOX in the United States, with TSN available in Canada. Live streaming will be accessible via FOX One, and in-car cameras will be available on HBO MAX. Radio coverage will be provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Preceding Events and Practice

The lead-up to the Daytona 500 includes a full schedule of practice sessions and qualifying events across various NASCAR series.

Read More: Daytona 500 Duels Help Decide Who Races

  • Wednesday, February 11th: Daytona 500 Practice #1 (10 a.m. EST on FOX Sports 1) and Daytona 500 Qualifying (8:15 p.m. EST on FOX Sports 1).

  • Thursday, February 12th: NASCAR Cup Series Duel races (7 p.m. EST and 8:45 p.m. EST on FOX Sports 1).

  • Friday, February 13th: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series events, along with additional Cup Series practice.

  • Saturday, February 14th: More practice sessions and support series races.

Qualifying Dynamics

The methods for securing a starting position in the Daytona 500 are multifaceted, involving guaranteed spots and open entries.

  • Chartered Entries: 36 teams are guaranteed a place in the race.

  • Open Entries: Drivers not part of the chartered system must qualify through time trials and the Duel races. Connor Zilisch is noted as the only full-time driver making his Daytona 500 debut.

Expert Observations on Daytona's Nature

The unpredictable character of superspeedway racing at Daytona is a recurring theme among observers.

  • Drivers frequently emphasize the importance of track position and survival, suggesting that starting position may be less critical than navigating the field safely.

  • Veteran drivers acknowledge that experience is valuable, but also recognize that Daytona's outcomes rarely adhere to strict predictions. The inherent difficulty in forecasting a winner is often likened to playing the lottery.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the 2026 Daytona 500 race?
The race is on Sunday, February 15th.
Q: Who is trying to win for the third time in a row?
William Byron is trying to win for the third time in a row.
Q: How long is the race?
The race is 200 laps, which is 500 miles.
Q: Where can I watch the race?
You can watch the race on FOX in the United States.