A total of 45 cars are set to compete in the 2026 Daytona 500. This special week at Daytona also features the season openers for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the ARCA Menards Series, bringing together 181 entries across four racing categories.
Ryan Preece recently clinched victory in NASCAR’s Wild/Dry Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray, which gives momentum to the No. 60 team heading into Daytona. William Byron aims to make history by winning a third consecutive Daytona 500, a feat never before achieved. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson comes in as the current Cup Series champion, with every point gaining heightened importance due to NASCAR reinstating a playoff format reminiscent of the old Chase system.
2026 Daytona 500 Speedweek Schedule:
Wednesday, February 11:
- 10:00 AM ET: Daytona 500 Practice #1 (FOX Sports 1)
- 8:15 PM ET: Daytona 500 Qualifying (FOX Sports 1)
Thursday, February 12:
- 4:00 PM ET: ARCA Practice (N/A)
- 5:00 PM ET: NASCAR Track Practice (FOX Sports 1)
- 7:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Duel at Daytona – 60 laps each (FOX Sports 1)
Friday, February 13:
- 1:30 PM ET: ARCA Qualifier (N/A)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Track Qualifying (FOX Sports 1)
- 4:30 PM ET: NASCAR O’Reilly Practice (CW App)
- 5:30 PM ET: Daytona 500 Practice #2 (FOX Sports 1)
- 7:30 PM ET: NASCAR Truck Race, 100 laps (FOX Sports 1)
Saturday, February 14:
- 10:00 AM ET: NASCAR O’Reilly Qualifying (CW App)
- 12:00 PM ET: ARCA Race, 80 laps (FOX)
- 3:00 PM ET: Daytona 500 Practice #3 (FOX Sports 1)
- 5:00 PM ET: NASCAR O’Reilly Race, 120 laps (CW Network)
Sunday, February 15:
- 12:00 PM ET: Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show (FOX)
- 2:30 PM ET: 68th Daytona 500, 200 laps (FOX)
How to Watch the Daytona 500:
- Date: Sunday, February 15
- TV Coverage Starts: 12:00 PM ET
- Race Start (Green Flag): 2:45 PM ET
- Distance: 200 laps, 500 miles
- Race Stages: 65/65/70 laps
- Broadcast Channels: Fox (US), TSN (Canada), plus international options
- Live Streaming: HBO MAX
- Radio Coverage & In-Car Cameras: MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Regarding the race lineup, 36 chartered teams are guaranteed their spots in the Daytona 500. The only full-time driver making his debut in this race is Connor Girish in Trackhouse Racing’s No. 88 car. Eight open entries will compete for four remaining grid positions. Additionally, seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson has secured a place via the Open Exemption Provisional. Other notable open entries include Corey Lajoie of RFK Racing, Corey Heim from 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports’ Chandler Smith, and Justin Allgaier representing JR Motorsports. For a complete list of entrants across all Speedweek events, refer to the official entry listings.
Fan Take:
This event-packed Speedweek marks a pivotal moment as NASCAR blends tradition with excitement, reviving the Chase-style playoff which adds new intensity to every race. For fans, William Byron’s quest for a historic third win and the field of fresh talent entering Daytona hint at a thrilling future for the sport.
