The engines are about to roar back to life as the 68th running of the Daytona 500 prepares to kick off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Set for Sunday, February 15, at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, "The Great American Race" promises high-stakes drama and a mix of legendary veterans and hungry new faces.
The Main Event: Need-to-Know Details
The race is the crown jewel of "Speedweeks," a multi-day festival of speed that sets the grid and builds the tension.
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Green Flag: 2:30 PM ET
Track: Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile tri-oval)
Distance: 500 miles (200 laps)
Defending Winner: William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports)
Key Storylines for 2026
1. The Phenom’s Debut
All eyes are on 19-year-old Connor Zilisch, who takes over the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet full-time this season. After a historic run in the lower series, Zilisch enters the Cup Series with massive expectations. Can the rookie handle the "Big One" and navigate the chaos of Daytona?
2. Jimmie’s Quest & The 41st Spot
Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson returns in the No. 84 for Legacy Motor Club. In a rare move for 2026, the field is expected to expand to 41 cars rather than the usual 40. Johnson has been granted an "Open Exemption Provisional," effectively locking him into that 41st spot if he doesn't qualify on speed—giving the fans at least one more look at a legend on the high banks.
3. Big Moves & Fresh Starts
Daniel Suárez begins a new chapter with Spire Motorsports in the No. 7, hoping to bounce back after a tough 2025.
Corey LaJoie attempts to make the field in a fourth RFK Racing entry (No. 99), looking to prove he belongs at the front of the pack.
Kyle Busch continues his hunt for an elusive first Daytona 500 victory, a glaring omission in an otherwise Hall of Fame career.
The Favorites & Odds
Daytona is famously unpredictable, but the oddsmakers have highlighted a few "superspeedway specialists" to watch:
Driver | Odds | Why They’re a Threat |
Joey Logano | +1000 | A three-time champ who is a master at managing the draft. |
Ryan Blaney | +1100 | Always at the front during the final 10 laps at Daytona. |
Austin Cindric | +1300 | A former 500 winner who thrives in high-pressure pack racing. |
William Byron | +1500 | Looking to become the first driver to win back-to-back since Denny Hamlin (2019–2020). |
Speedweeks Schedule
If you’re tuning in early, don't miss the qualifying events that determine the starting lineup:
Wednesday, Feb 11: Single-car Qualifying (8:15 PM ET) – Determines the front row.
Thursday, Feb 12: The Bluegreen Vacations Duels (7:00 PM ET) – Twin 150-mile races that set the rest of the field.
Saturday, Feb 14: United Rentals 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) & ARCA Menards Series doubleheader.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the "Open" teams like Beard Motorsports (Anthony Alfredo) and Front Row Motorsports (Chandler Smith). They aren't guaranteed a spot in the race and will have to "race their way in" during the Thursday Duels—often some of the most intense racing of the week.
