The 2026 Daytona 500 is set to run on Sunday, February 15th. The green flag is scheduled for 2:13 PM as drivers will look to etch their name in NASCAR history by winning the “Great American Race.”
41 drivers are entered in the field, including NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson. Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron are among the betting favorites entering the race. Byron has won back-to-back Daytona 500s and is looking to become the first ever driver to win three straight at the event.
STARTING OUT FRONT
Kyle Busch is one of the most accomplished NASCAR drivers to have never won the Daytona 500. On Sunday, he will have one of his best chances yet, as his #8 car will start on the pole. He earned that right with the fastest lap during Wednesday qualifying. Busch is hoping his 21st try is the magic one at this event. Chase Briscoe will start alongside him on the front row.
DUEL WINNERS
On Thursday night, the tradition of duel races took place once again. These races set the rest of the field past row one. Duel one was won by multi-time Cup Series Champion Joey Logano.
Duel two was won by fellow champion Chase Elliott. Those two will start third and fourth on Sunday. Logano seeks his second 500 win, after becoming at the time the second youngest winner back in 2015. Elliott is looking for his first ever 500 victory.
WEATHER IS ALWAYS A FACTOR
Given the time of year and the location of the race in tropical Florida, weather is usually a factor at this race. The race has been pushed back, moved around, and even needed to be completed on Monday multiple times in recent years.
Again, the forecast calls for rain on Sunday. There is a chance for this race to get run without interruption. However, it is more likely that we will have a delay at some point on Sunday. Drivers who are able to maintain their focus will have an advantage.