Daytona 500 2026: “The Great American Race” – Everything You Need to Know
NASCAR’s most important race: history, emotion, and 500 miles of pure adrenaline
The Heartbeat of America
There are moments in life that transcend sports. Moments where 100,000 people hold their breath in unison, where generations of families share a sacred tradition, where the roar of 40 engines becomes a nation’s anthem.
That’s the Daytona 500.
It’s not just a race. It’s the Super Bowl of motorsports. It’s the event that has opened every NASCAR season since 1982. It’s where legends are forged and dreams are fulfilled or shattered over 500 miles of pure intensity.
“The Daytona 500 says: ‘I care about this tradition. I care about being part of something bigger than myself. I care about sharing this moment with the people I love. I value these memories enough to experience them in person.'”
Daytona 500 2026: Event Information
General Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, February 15, 2026 |
| Start Time | 1:30 PM ET (adjusted for weather) |
| Location | Daytona International Speedway |
| City | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Edition | 68th running of the Daytona 500 |
| Distance | 500 miles (800 km) |
| Laps | 200 laps |
| Stages | 3 (Laps 65/130/200) |
| Broadcast | FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio |
The Track: Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a 2.5-mile tri-oval with 31-degree banking in the turns and 18 degrees on the front stretch. It holds 101,500 spectators in the grandstands, though it can accommodate up to 167,785 people including the infield. The track received a $400 million renovation known as the “Daytona Rising” project, cementing its status as “The World Center of Racing.”
2026 Results: Tyler Reddick Makes History
Tyler Reddick won the 68th Daytona 500 in the most dramatic way possible: leading only the final lap of the race.
This was his ninth win in 219 NASCAR Cup Series races and his first in “The Great American Race.” With this victory, Reddick became the 44th driver to win the Daytona 500 and gave 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan’s team, their first win in this race. It was also Toyota’s fourth Daytona 500 victory.
Only four drivers in history have won the Daytona 500 while leading just the final lap. Reddick now belongs to that exclusive club.
2026 Starting Grid
| Position | Driver | Car # | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Pole) | Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 2 | Chase Briscoe | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
| 3 | Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske |
| 4 | Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
| 5 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
| 6 | Carson Hocevar | 77 | Spire Motorsports |
| 7 | Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Racing |
| 8 | Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports |
For the fans: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his final Cup Series race.
Daytona 500 History: Where Legends Are Born
The Origins (1959)
The Daytona 500 was born on February 22, 1959, when Bill France Sr., NASCAR’s founder, decided to move racing from Daytona Beach onto a permanent track. The result was Daytona International Speedway, an engineering feat that changed motorsports forever.
Lee Petty won the inaugural race in a finish so close that officials took three days to declare a winner. They initially thought Johnny Beauchamp had crossed first, but after reviewing photos, they confirmed Petty’s victory.
Richard Petty: “The King”
No driver has dominated a race like Richard Petty dominated the Daytona 500. His numbers speak for themselves:
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Daytona 500 Wins | 7 (all-time record) |
| Total NASCAR Wins | 200 |
| Career Poles | 123 |
| Championships | 7 |
| Years Between First and Last Daytona Win | 17 (1964-1981) |
Petty won in 1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, and 1981. Nobody has even reached five wins.
Multiple Daytona 500 Winners
| Driver | Wins | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Petty | 7 | 1964, 1966, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981 |
| Cale Yarborough | 4 | 1968, 1977, 1983, 1984 |
| Bobby Allison | 3 | 1978, 1982, 1988 |
| Dale Jarrett | 3 | 1993, 1996, 2000 |
| Jeff Gordon | 3 | 1997, 1999, 2005 |
| Denny Hamlin | 3 | 2016, 2019, 2020 |
| William Byron | 2 | 2024, 2025 |
| Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 2 | 2004, 2014 |
| Jimmie Johnson | 2 | 2006, 2013 |
Moments That Defined the Race
1979: The Race That Changed NASCAR
It was the first race broadcast live from start to finish on national television. Richard Petty won, but what captured America’s attention was the fight between Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough after they crashed on the final lap. Many sports historians consider this the turning point that launched NASCAR’s nationwide popularity.
1998: Dale Earnhardt Finally Wins
After 20 years of trying, “The Intimidator” finally conquered the Daytona 500. What happened next was unique in sports: crew members from every rival team lined up on pit road to congratulate him. A moment of respect that transcends competition.
2001: The Tragedy
Dale Earnhardt lost his life in a last-lap accident while his teammate Michael Waltrip crossed the finish line for the win. This moment transformed NASCAR safety forever and remains one of the darkest days in American motorsports history.
Speed Records
| Record | Driver | Speed/Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest Race | Buddy Baker | 177.602 mph | 1980 |
| Slowest Race | Junior Johnson | 124.740 mph | 1960 |
| Youngest Winner | Trevor Bayne | 20 years, 1 day | 2011 |
| Oldest Winner | Bobby Allison | 50 years, 2 months | 1988 |
Speedweeks 2026: Complete Schedule
The Daytona 500 is the main event of a full week of activities known as Speedweeks. Here’s the schedule:
Wednesday, February 11
- 10:00 AM ET: NASCAR Cup Series Practice
- 8:15 PM ET: Daytona 500 Qualifying (determines front row)
Thursday, February 12
- 4:00 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series Practice
- 5:00 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice
- 7:00 PM ET: Duel 1 at Daytona (60 laps)
- 8:45 PM ET: Duel 2 at Daytona (60 laps)
Friday, February 13
- 1:30 PM ET: ARCA Menards Series Qualifying
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying
- 4:30 PM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice
- 5:35 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series Practice
- 7:30 PM ET: Fresh From Florida 250 (Truck Series)
Saturday, February 14
- 10:00 AM ET: NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying
- 12:00 PM ET: Daytona ARCA 200
- 3:00 PM ET: Final NASCAR Cup Series Practice
- 5:00 PM ET: United Rentals 300 (Xfinity Series)
Sunday, February 15
- 1:30 PM ET: DAYTONA 500 (200 laps)
How to Watch the Daytona 500
Television: FOX broadcasts the race live to over 185 countries.
Radio: MRN (Motor Racing Network) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Streaming: Available on Fubo, Fox Sports App, and Max (formerly HBO Max).
If you’re at the stadium: Tune to FM 107.9 to hear the speedway’s public address system.
Tickets and Pricing 2026
The Daytona 500 has sold out for 11 consecutive years. If you’re planning to attend, you need to act early.
Grandstand Prices
| Section | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Section 108 (entry level) | $193 |
| Sections 126, 306 | $227 – $238 |
| Sections 408, 431 | $261 – $328 |
| Sections 340, 440 (premium) | Around $350 |
| 4-Day Package | $684 |
VIP Experiences
| Experience Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Hard Rock Bet Fanzone + seat | Starting at $895 |
| Complete travel packages | Starting at $3,465/person |
| VVIP Hospitality | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| NASCAR ONE Experience | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Sponsor credential packages | $10,000+ |
VIP packages may include premium seating near the start/finish line, access to climate-controlled lounges, gourmet food, open bar, NASCAR personality appearances, garage and pit road access, pace car rides with former champions, and exclusive gifts.
Additional Events
| Event | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Duels (Thursday) | $125 |
| Truck Race 250 (Friday) | $75 |
| Xfinity 300 (Saturday) | $130 |
Attendance Guide: What You Need to Know
Before Your Trip
Hotels in Daytona Beach fill up months before the event and prices increase significantly. Many visitors choose to stay in Orlando, Ponte Vedra, or Jacksonville and drive in on race day.
If coming from Orlando, plan to leave at 5:00 AM. Traffic on I-4 and I-95 can be intense during Speedweeks. You can call 511 for real-time traffic information in Florida.
Parking
Free lots are available but they’re far from the track and require a shuttle bus. Lines for the shuttle after the race can take up to 90 minutes.
Paid lots near the track cost between $30 and $80. Hooters offers parking for about $50 and includes a pre-race party. A good tip: the business complexes on Williamson Blvd charge around $20 and are about half a mile from the track.
Park on the side of the stadium where your seats are located. It’ll save you a lot of walking.
What to Bring
Allowed and recommended:
- Soft-sided cooler with food and drinks
- Canned beer (glass is prohibited)
- Snacks and sandwiches to save money
- Sunscreen (the Florida sun is brutal)
- Hearing protection (the cars are extremely loud)
- Binoculars to see the entire track
- FM radio with earbuds to hear communications
- Racing scanner (you can rent one at the track)
- Rain poncho (umbrellas are not allowed)
- Layers of clothing (it can get cold in the afternoon)
- Sunglasses
- Backpack, maximum 17 inches
- Sharpie markers to sign the start/finish line
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Prohibited:
- Glass or ceramics
- Weapons
- Hard-sided coolers
- Umbrellas
- Tripods or monopods
- Collapsible chairs
- Skateboards or roller skates
- Beach balls or frisbees
- Seat cushions with metal parts
Race Day
Arrive 3 to 4 hours before the green flag. Gates open around 7-8 AM and security includes bag checks and metal detectors.
Plan to spend 6 to 10 hours at the event, from arrival to departure. The race lasts 3 to 4 hours under normal conditions, but exit traffic can take another 2-3 hours.
Before the race, the Midway offers team displays, merchandise stores, games, driver appearances, and concerts.
A golden tip: when the yellow flag (caution) comes out, run to the bathroom. Lines are much shorter during breaks.
For Families with Children
The event is family-friendly. Approximately 25% of attendees are under 18. Hearing protection for kids isn’t optional, it’s mandatory. The cars are incredibly loud.
Bring activities for breaks, find shaded areas for rest, and designate a meeting point with your family. Cell signal can fail with so many people around.
February Weather
High temperatures hover around 65-70°F (18-21°C) and lows between 50-55°F (10-13°C). Wind is common and can make it feel colder.
If it rains, the race pauses. They use track dryers to resume, but if rain persists, they may postpone the race to Monday.
Where to Sit: Seating Guide
Unlike other sports, at NASCAR you want to sit far from the track. From the upper rows you can see all the action. From the lower rows you only see what’s happening directly in front of you.
The best locations are the Sprint Tower or high Front Stretch, where you get a complete view of the track and pits. Sections near the pit road entrance let you see garage preparations. Sections 440 and 466-468 offer an excellent elevated view of the front stretch.
If you can afford Club Seating, you get the best seats in the house, access to air-conditioned lounges, gourmet food, open bar, and FANZONE access included.
Understanding the Race
Stage Format
The Daytona 500 is divided into three stages: the first covers laps 1-65, the second laps 66-130, and the third laps 131-200. The top 10 finishers in each stage earn playoff points.
How Qualifying Works
On Wednesday, single-car qualifying determines who occupies the front row. On Thursday, the “Duels” (two 60-lap races) determine positions 3-40. The 36 Charter cars have guaranteed spots, while 4-5 Open cars compete for the remaining positions.
Drafting: The Key to Daytona
At superspeedways like Daytona, cars form packs and use drafting to gain speed. Basically, they ride in the slipstream of the car ahead to reduce air resistance. Drivers form temporary alliances during the race, but everything can change in the final laps. It’s part of what makes the Daytona 500 so unpredictable.
Overtime
If there’s a caution in the final laps, the race can be extended. This has happened 13 times in Daytona 500 history.
What to Do in Daytona Beach
Besides the race, Daytona Beach offers several attractions. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk has restaurants and entertainment. The NASCAR Flea Market, about a mile from the track, is perfect for finding memorabilia at good prices. The Daytona 500 Champion’s Walk of Fame displays handprints of historical winners.
For food, Hog Wild’s BBQ serves good local barbecue, The Wing House has wings and a sports atmosphere, and Waffle House is the classic Southern American breakfast. If you’re around Ponte Vedra, Cantina Louie has excellent Mexican street food.
Daytona Beach is one of the few beaches in the United States where you can drive directly on the sand.
The Insurance Connection: Protect Your Investment
If you’re driving to Daytona for the event, make sure you have travel coverage for roadside emergencies, comprehensive auto insurance, and roadside assistance for the long trip.
If you’re bringing a classic car to Speedweeks events, you need Agreed Value coverage, protection during transport, and coverage at shows and exhibitions.
For visitors from other states or countries, consider travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
“Auto insurance says: ‘I care about protecting the trips we take together. I care that you arrive safely to create these memories. I care that a roadside emergency doesn’t ruin your experience.'”
Daytona 500 Facts
Through 2026, 44 different drivers have won the Daytona 500. The race has sold out for 11 consecutive years and broadcasts to more than 185 countries. The trophy is called the Harley J. Earl Trophy, named after the car designer who created the first Corvette. Since 1982, the Daytona 500 opens every NASCAR season. It’s one of only two annual races at Daytona; the other is the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in August.
Looking Ahead: Daytona 500 2027
The 2027 Daytona 500 will be held Sunday, February 21, one week after Presidents’ Day to avoid a Super Bowl conflict. It will be Jimmie Johnson’s final NASCAR Cup Series race.
Early bird tickets are now available at daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Conclusion
The Daytona 500 isn’t just 500 miles of competition. It’s a celebration of speed, tradition, and American passion. It’s where fathers take their children for the first time, where friends create memories that last a lifetime, where history is written every February.
Whether you watch from the grandstands at Daytona International Speedway or from your living room, the Daytona 500 represents the best of motorsports: drama, excitement, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
Useful Resources
- Official site: daytonainternationalspeedway.com
- Tickets: daytonainternationalspeedway.com/available-inventory
- VIP Packages: OnLocationExp.com/Daytona500
- Weather hotline: 855-422-RACE (7223)
- Florida Traffic: 511
- Stadium WiFi: DIS_FAN_WIFI
- Text help: Send “DISFAN” + your issue to 69050
Have questions about insurance for your Daytona 500 trip? Contact us. We can help protect your vehicle, your trip, and your peace of mind.
