Sarah Martinez clutched her coffee mug tighter as she scrolled through her phone at 6 AM, the familiar butterflies already dancing in her stomach. Her dad had been taking her to the Daytona 500 since she was eight years old, and even now at 32, race day still felt like Christmas morning. The smell of racing fuel, the roar of engines, and the electric energy of 100,000 fans – it never got old.
This year felt different though. The weather app on her phone showed threatening storm clouds rolling in, and she wondered if Mother Nature would cooperate with NASCAR’s biggest day. Her dad always said the Daytona 500 wasn’t just a race – it was a pilgrimage, a celebration of speed that brings families together from across the country.
Now she understands why he never missed it. The Daytona 500 represents something bigger than just cars going fast in circles. It’s America’s race, where legends are born and dreams either come true or crash into the wall at 200 miles per hour.
The Great American Race Returns With High Stakes
The 68th running of the Daytona 500 is set to make history on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. With over $31 million in prize money on the line – a record-breaking purse – drivers and teams are pulling out all the stops for NASCAR’s crown jewel event.
This year’s race carries extra weight as fan demand reaches unprecedented levels. Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway, captured the sentiment perfectly: “The DAYTONA 500 continues to be a national moment and cultural landmark woven into the fabric of American sport and identity.”
The race was originally scheduled for 2:30 PM, but NASCAR officials made the strategic decision to move the start time up to 1:30 PM. Why? Weather forecasters are tracking a potentially severe storm system that could impact Central Florida later Sunday afternoon and evening.
“We’re not taking any chances with the weather,” said a NASCAR spokesperson. “Moving up an hour gives us the best opportunity to get the full 500 miles completed before any significant weather arrives.”
Complete Starting Lineup and Key Contenders to Watch
The starting grid is packed with talent, featuring both seasoned veterans and hungry young drivers ready to make their mark. Here’s your complete guide to who’s starting where when the green flag drops:
| Position | Driver | Car Number | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Busch | 8 | Chevrolet |
| 2 | Chase Briscoe | 19 | Toyota |
| 3 | Joey Logano | 22 | Ford |
| 4 | Chase Elliott | 9 | Chevrolet |
| 5 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Ford |
| 6 | Carson Hocevar | 77 | Chevrolet |
| 7 | Austin Dillon | 3 | Chevrolet |
| 8 | Kyle Larson | 5 | Chevrolet |
Several storylines are worth following closely. Kyle Busch starts from the pole position, giving him prime real estate for the opening laps. Chase Elliott, always a fan favorite, sits in fourth and brings serious momentum from recent strong performances.
Notable drivers further back in the field include:
- Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Toyota) – Starting 22nd
- Jimmie Johnson (No. 84 Toyota) – Making his return appearance
- William Byron (No. 24 Chevrolet) – Starting deep but never count him out
- Ross Chastain (No. 1 Chevrolet) – Known for aggressive moves in big moments
The race is officially sold out, with tickets now only available through secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek, often at premium prices. “The demand for fans to experience NASCAR is at an all-time high,” Kelleher noted, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity.
Weather Concerns and How They Could Impact the Race
FOX 35 meteorologist Brooks Garner has been tracking the weather situation closely, and the forecast shows why NASCAR made the smart call to start early. Current projections indicate clear skies for the 1:30 PM start, but storm clouds are expected to build throughout the afternoon.
Here’s what fans need to know about the weather timeline:
- 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Clear conditions, perfect for racing
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Increasing cloud cover, but still manageable
- 5:00 PM and later: Severe weather potential with heavy rain and wind
The Daytona 500 typically runs about 3.5 hours, meaning the revised start time should allow the race to finish before any serious weather arrives. However, if delays occur, things could get interesting.
“We’re monitoring the situation hour by hour,” said a track official. “The safety of our fans and competitors is always the top priority, but we’re optimistic about getting the full race completed.”
Rain delays at Daytona can be particularly challenging because the track takes longer to dry than some other venues. The high banking and Florida humidity create unique conditions that require extra attention from the track drying crews.
How to Watch Every Lap of the Action
Whether you’re at the track or watching from home, you won’t want to miss a single moment of the 2026 Daytona 500. Here are all your viewing options:
Television Coverage:
- FOX – Primary broadcast network
- FOX 35 – Local Florida coverage
- FOX Sports – Additional analysis and coverage
Streaming Options:
- FOX Sports App – Live streaming with multiple camera angles
- NASCAR.com – Additional digital content and timing data
- FOX One app – Mobile-friendly streaming
Pre-race coverage begins at 12:00 PM, giving viewers plenty of time to get caught up on storylines, weather updates, and last-minute changes. The broadcast team promises comprehensive coverage including in-car cameras, aerial shots, and expert analysis throughout the race.
“This is our Super Bowl,” explained a FOX Sports producer. “We’re bringing every tool in our arsenal to give viewers the best possible experience, whether they’re lifelong fans or watching their first NASCAR race.”
For fans attending in person, the track offers multiple viewing options, from grandstand seats to premium hospitality packages. Those lucky enough to have tickets should arrive early, as traffic and security screening can take extra time for such a high-profile event.
The combination of perfect racing weather, a stacked field of drivers, and record prize money sets up what could be one of the most memorable Daytona 500s in recent history. Whether Kyle Busch can convert his pole position into victory, or if someone from deep in the field pulls off a stunning upset, one thing is certain – Sunday afternoon promises to deliver the excitement that makes the Daytona 500 America’s race.
FAQs
What time does the 2026 Daytona 500 start?
The race starts at 1:30 PM Eastern Time, moved up an hour from the original 2:30 PM start due to weather concerns.
Where can I watch the Daytona 500 live?
You can watch on FOX, FOX 35, FOX Sports on television, or stream it through the FOX Sports App and FOX One app.
Who’s starting on the pole for the Daytona 500?
Kyle Busch earned the pole position and will start first in the No. 8 Chevrolet.
How much prize money is available for the 2026 Daytona 500?
This year features a record-breaking purse of over $31 million, the largest in Daytona 500 history.
Will weather affect the race?
Severe weather is possible later Sunday afternoon, which is why NASCAR moved the start time up an hour to 1:30 PM.
Are tickets still available for the race?
The race is sold out, but tickets may be available on secondary market sites like StubHub and SeatGeek.
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