The 68th running of the Daytona 500, known as “The Great American Race,” marks the official start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This iconic event promises high-speed pack racing, dramatic drafting maneuvers, and the potential for game-changing wrecks on one of motorsport’s most famous tracks. As the first points-paying race, it sets the tone for the championship chase, with drivers vying for an early victory and the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy. Defending back-to-back winner William Byron aims for an unprecedented three-peat, but faces stiff competition from a field of 40 cars, including veterans and rising stars like rookie Connor Zilisch.
Venue Location and Schedule
The race takes place at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida—a 2.5-mile tri-oval superspeedway known for its steep 31-degree banking in the turns, which enables speeds exceeding 200 mph and promotes intense drafting. The track, opened in 1959, features a 3,800-foot frontstretch and a lake in the infield, with grandstands seating over 100,000 fans.
- Flag drop is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET (green flag drops around 2:45 p.m. ET after pre-race ceremonies).
The event consists of 200 laps (500 miles), divided into three stages: Stage 1 (65 laps), Stage 2 (65 laps), and Stage 3 (70 laps).
- Broadcast: FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, and streaming on FOX Sports app or HBO Max.
- Speedweeks Highlights: Qualifying and the Duels on Thursday, February 12, set the starting lineup, with Joey Logano and Chase Elliott winning the respective Duels to lock in front-row spots alongside pole-sitter Kyle Busch.
Practice sessions and support races (Xfinity and Truck Series) fill Friday and Saturday.
Here’s an aerial view of the speedway during a typical event setup:
alamy.com
Weather Conditions
February weather in Daytona Beach is typically mild but unpredictable, with potential for rain disrupting the superspeedway action. For race day:
- Forecast: Mostly cloudy skies with highs around 75-79°F and lows in the low 60s. Breezy conditions with south-southeast winds at 5-15 mph, gusting up to 25 mph.
Rain chances start low (20%) in the morning but increase to 60% by late afternoon/evening, with scattered showers and possible thunderstorms.
- Impact: Dry conditions would favor aggressive drafting, but any precipitation could lead to delays or a shortened race. NASCAR can dry the track in about 90-120 minutes with jet dryers, but persistent rain might postpone the event to Monday, February 16 (as happened in 2020 and 2024).
No extreme heat or cold is expected, keeping tire wear and engine performance consistent.
Track Conditions
Daytona is a high-banked superspeedway emphasizing restrictor-plate racing (now tapered spacers) to control speeds and promote pack-style competition. The asphalt surface, last repaved in 2010, remains smooth but grippy in cooler weather, allowing for three- and four-wide racing. Recent inspections show no major issues, but wet conditions could make the track slick, increasing the risk of multi-car incidents (“The Big One”). Tire compounds from Goodyear are designed for durability in long green-flag runs, with fuel strategy playing a key role in the 500-mile distance.
Expect fast lap times around 45-47 seconds in clean air.
Race History
The Daytona 500, first held in 1959, is NASCAR’s most prestigious event, often compared to the Super Bowl of racing. It has produced legendary moments, from photo finishes to tragic incidents like Dale Earnhardt’s 2001 crash. Key records and highlights:
- All-Time Winners: Richard Petty holds the record with 7 victories (1964, 1966, 1971, 1973-74, 1979, 1981). Cale Yarborough has 4 (1968, 1977, 1983-84). Five drivers have won back-to-back: Petty (1973-74), Yarborough (1983-84), Sterling Marlin (1994-95), Denny Hamlin (2019-20), and William Byron (2024-25).
- Recent Winners (Last 10 Years):
| Year | Winner | Team | Manufacturer | Notable Fact |
| 2025 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | Back-to-back champion; led final 4 laps |
| 2024 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports | Chevrolet | Rain-shortened; first win of season |
| 2023 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | JTG Daugherty Racing | Chevrolet | Longest Daytona 500 (212 laps) |
| 2022 | Austin Cindric | Team Penske | Ford | Rookie winner in overtime |
| 2021 | Michael McDowell | Front Row Motorsports | Ford | Upset victory after late wreck |
| 2020 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | Third win; race shortened by rain |
| 2019 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | Led 34 laps |
| 2018 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing | Chevrolet | Iconic No. 3 car victory |
| 2017 | Kurt Busch | Stewart-Haas Racing | Ford | Last-lap pass |
| 2016 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Toyota | Closest finish ever (0.010 seconds) |
Recent Driver Forms
Coming off the 2025 season, where Kyle Larson claimed his second championship, drivers enter with varied momentum. The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium provided a preseason glimpse, but superspeedway form often differs. Key performers from 2025:
- Kyle Larson: Champion with 3 wins, 15 top-5s, 22 top-10s; led 1,106 laps. Strong at Daytona historically.
- Denny Hamlin: Runner-up in points with 6 wins, 14 top-5s; three-time Daytona winner but winless there since 2020.
- Chase Briscoe: 3 wins, 15 top-5s; defended Southern 500 title and made Championship 4.
- William Byron: 3 wins, 11 top-5s; back-to-back Daytona champ, seeking three-peat.
- Ryan Blaney: 3 wins in 2025; defending Coke Zero Sugar 400 winner at Daytona.
- Chase Elliott: 2 wins, 11 top-5s; won Duel 2, starting 4th.
- Others: Joey Logano (1 win), Austin Cindric (1 win), Christopher Bell (strong in playoffs but no title).
Rookies like Connor Zilisch add intrigue, with experts predicting breakout potential.
Driver Matchups and Top Contenders
Superspeedways like Daytona emphasize alliances and avoiding wrecks over raw speed. Key matchups:
- Joey Logano vs. Ryan Blaney (Team Penske Teammates): Both Ford drivers; Logano starts 3rd after Duel win, Blaney a strong drafter with recent Daytona success. Edge: Blaney for consistency.
- Kyle Busch vs. Chase Elliott: Busch on pole (Chevy), Elliott starting 4th. Busch seeks first Daytona win; Elliott has speed but spotty luck here.
- Denny Hamlin vs. William Byron: Hamlin (Toyota) has three wins but recent droughts; Byron (Chevy) chases history with Hendrick power.
- Other Contenders: Austin Cindric (past winner), Brad Keselowski (veteran drafter), Ty Gibbs (rising star predicted for top-3).
Dark horses: Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace for aggressive moves.
Power Rankings Top 10 Entering Race: 1. William Byron, 2. Kyle Larson, 3. Chase Briscoe, 4. Denny Hamlin, 5. Ryan Blaney, 6. Christopher Bell, 7. Chase Elliott, 8. Joey Logano, 9. Ty Gibbs, 10. Brad Keselowski.
DRIVER ODDS
Denny Hamlin + 900
Ryan Blaney + 1000
Kyle Busch + 1000
Joey Logano + 1000
William Byron + 1400
Kyle Larson + 1600
Chase Elliott + 1600
Brad Keselowski + 1800
Christopher Bell + 1800
Austin Cindric + 2000
Chris Buescher + 2000
Alex Bowman + 2200
Chase Briscoe + 2200
Bubba Wallace + 2500
Ryan Preece + 2500
Carson Hocevar + 2800
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. + 2800
Austin Dillon + 3000
Ross Chastain + 3500
Josh Berry + 3500
Erik Jones + 3500
Tyler Reddick + 4000
Ty Gibbs + 4000
Michael McDowell + 4000
Corey Heim + 4500
Connor Zilisch + 4500
Justin Allgaier + 4500
AJ Allmendinger + 5500
Todd Gilliland + 6500
Daniel Suarez + 6500
John Hunter Nemechek + 7000
Noah Gragson + 7500
Cole Custer + 7500
Jimmie Johnson + 8000
Zane Smith + 9000
Shane Van Gisbergen + 9000
Ty Dillon + 10000
Riley Herbst + 10000
Casey Mears + 13000
Cody Ware + 13000
BJ McLeod + 15000
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 14, 2025
