NASCAR Kicks Off 2026 Season at Daytona: A Weekend of Speed and Spectacle
The roar of engines returns as the 2026 NASCAR season officially begins at Daytona International Speedway. From Wednesday, February 11th, through Sunday, February 15th, all three NASCAR series – the Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Craftsman Truck Series – will compete in a thrilling weekend of racing. This schedule sets the stage for a season of intense competition and promises a captivating experience for fans.
What to Expect This Weekend
The NASCAR weekend at Daytona isn’t just about the Daytona 500. It’s a multi-day event packed with practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and preliminary races, building anticipation for the main event. Fans can catch all the action live on Fox, Fox Sports 1, CW, and MAX.
Detailed Schedule Breakdown
Wednesday, February 11th: Setting the Stage
The week kicks off with Cup Series practice at 10:00 AM ET on Fox Sports 1, allowing teams to fine-tune their machines. Later in the evening, at 8:15 PM ET, qualifying for the Cup Series will determine the starting grid for the Duel at Daytona and, the Daytona 500. Both events will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1.
Thursday, February 12th: Duel for Position
Thursday features the Duel at Daytona, two qualifying races for the Cup Series, at 7:00 PM and 8:45 PM ET on Fox Sports 1. These races not only set a portion of the Daytona 500 field but also provide valuable track time and a preview of potential race strategies. The Truck Series also gets in on the action with practice at 5:00 PM ET on Fox Sports 1.
Friday, February 13th: Truck and O’Reilly Series Take Center Stage
Friday is a busy day, starting with Truck Series qualifying at 3:00 PM ET on Fox Sports 1. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will have practice at 4:30 PM ET on the CW Network, followed by Cup Series Practice 2 at 5:35 PM ET on Fox Sports 1. The day culminates with the Fresh From Florida 250 (Truck Series race) at 7:30 PM ET on Fox Sports 1.
Saturday, February 14th: Qualifying and More Racing
Saturday continues the momentum with O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying at 10:00 AM ET on the CW. Cup Series Practice 3 follows at 3:00 PM ET on Fox Sports 1, before the United Rentals 300 (O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race) at 5:00 PM ET on the CW.
Sunday, February 15th: The Daytona 500
The pinnacle of the weekend, the Daytona 500, takes place on Sunday at 2:30 PM ET, broadcast live on FOX, and MAX. This iconic race marks the official start of the NASCAR Cup Series season and is a must-watch event for racing fans.
NASCAR Cup Series Schedule: A Closer Appear
| Event | Date | Time (ET) | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Wednesday | 10:00 AM | Fox Sports 1 |
| Qualifying | Wednesday | 8:15 PM | FS1 |
| Duel 1 | Thursday | 7:00 PM | FS1 |
| Duel 2 | Thursday | 8:45 PM | FS1 |
| Practice 2 | Friday | 5:35 PM | FS1 |
| Practice 3 | Saturday | 3:00 PM | FS1 |
| Daytona 500 | Sunday | 2:30 PM | FOX, MAX |
NASCAR Truck Series Schedule: Weekend Action
| Event | Date | Time | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice | Thursday | 5:00 PM | Fox Sports 1 |
| Qualifying | Friday | 3:00 PM | FS1 |
| Race | Friday | 7:30 PM | FS1 |
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Schedule: Rising Stars
| Event | Date | Time | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice | Friday | 4:30 PM | CW |
| Qualifying | Saturday | 10:00 AM | CW |
| Race | Saturday | 5:00 PM | CW |
Did you know?
The first Daytona 500 took place in 1959, with Lee Petty claiming the inaugural victory.
FAQ
- When is the Daytona 500 in 2026? The Daytona 500 takes place on Sunday, February 15th, at 2:30 PM ET.
- How many drivers are in the Daytona 500? You’ll see 40 drivers in the Daytona 500, with a potential for 41 under a new rule.
- Where can I watch the Daytona 500? You can watch the Daytona 500 on FOX and MAX.
Don’t miss a moment of the action as NASCAR begins its 2026 season at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.
