2026 Daytona 500 Kicks Off NASCAR Season Today
The 68th running of the Daytona 500 is underway today at Daytona International Speedway, marking the official start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The Great American Race began at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX after organizers pushed up the start time by one hour due to weather forecasts calling for scattered showers and thunderstorms in the Daytona area.
When to Watch and What Channel
Fans wondering what time the Daytona 500 starts got their answer early when NASCAR announced the revised schedule. The race is broadcasting live on FOX, FOX One, and can be streamed on FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports App, and through cable-free services like fuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu+. Radio coverage is available on MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The Starting Lineup and Drivers to Watch
Kyle Busch earned pole position for the race, leading a competitive starting field. Chase Elliott qualifies fourth on the grid, while Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano—two drivers hungry for their first or latest Daytona 500 victory—start fifth and third respectively. The Daytona 500 lineup features 41 drivers competing over 200 laps around the iconic 2.5-mile track.
Two-time defending champion William Byron has the chance to make history today. With a victory, Byron would become the first driver ever to win the Daytona 500 back-to-back-to-back. Denny Hamlin, with three Daytona 500 wins, is also a strong contender and could tie Richard Petty for the second-most victories at this storied event.
Historic Significance and Special Moments
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the death of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., who tragically lost his life in a crash on the final lap during the 2001 Daytona 500. Singer Miranda Lambert is performing ahead of the action, while actor Kurt Russell will lead the field to the green flag.
About the Daytona 500
NASCAR considers the Daytona 500 the most prestigious and important race in the sport. It has opened the NASCAR season every February since 1982, making it a cornerstone event for fans and drivers alike.
