The United Rentals 300, the season‑opening race of the newly named O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, unfolded on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway. Austin Hill captured victory, leading a race‑high 78 of the 120 laps and edging out Justin Allgaier by less than a tenth of a second. The 42‑car field endured three multi‑car wrecks in the final 30 laps, thinning the lead pack and prompting several cautions.
Race recap
Qualifying saw Hill start from pole with a 49.39‑second lap, while teammate Jesse Love also posted a strong time. The race began at 5 p.m. ET, as scheduled and was broadcast nationally on The CW with streaming on Fubo and radio coverage via MRN and SiriusXM.
Hill’s dominance was evident early, taking the first two stages and maintaining the lead through multiple restarts. A “Considerable One” on Lap 91 triggered a red‑flag period, and subsequent incidents on Laps 99 and with five laps remaining further shuffled the field. Despite the chaos, Hill’s team executed a timely four‑tire, fuel stop on Lap 93, positioning him to secure the checkered flag.
Why it matters
The victory marks Hill’s fourth win in the series’ Daytona opener over the past five years, reinforcing his reputation as the pre‑eminent superspeedway driver in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. His performance not only adds a crucial win to his career tally—now 15 series victories, including eleven on drafting tracks—but also positions him as a leading contender for the season‑long championship.
The race also serves as a key tune‑up for the Daytona 500, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15 at a newly moved‑up start time of 1:30 p.m. ET, giving drivers a final opportunity to gauge their superspeedway setups before the marquee event.
What may happen next
Analysts expect Hill’s momentum to translate into a strong showing at the Daytona 500, where his experience on the high‑speed tri‑oval could give him an edge in the early stages. Meanwhile, drivers who struggled in the United Rentals 300 may focus on refining their aerodynamic packages and pit crew coordination ahead of the Cup Series race.
Should the championship battle tighten, Hill’s early points haul could prove pivotal, potentially influencing team strategies for the upcoming spring swing of races across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the United Rentals 300 take place?
The race is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, with a start time of 5 p.m. ET at Daytona International Speedway.
Which network broadcasts the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race?
The United Rentals 300 is aired nationally on The CW, with live streaming available on Fubo and radio coverage via MRN and SiriusXM.
What is the new name of the former NASCAR Xfinity Series?
In 2026 the series was rebranded as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series after securing a new corporate sponsor.
How do you think Hill’s victory will shape the early part of the 2026 O’Reilly season?
