You're probably itching for the sound of forty V8 engines screaming at 9,000 RPM. We've all been there. The off-season feels like an eternity, but the wait is basically over. If you are trying to figure out what time is Daytona 500 for the 2026 season, the short answer is 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15.
But honestly, if you just show up at 2:30, you've already missed half the fun.
Daytona isn't just a race; it’s a week-long assault on the senses. The 68th running of "The Great American Race" serves as the official grand opening of the NASCAR Cup Series season. This year, the energy is even higher than usual. William Byron is looking to continue his dominance after winning the last two 500s, and the field is hungrier than ever to knock Hendrick Motorsports off their pedestal.
The Official 2026 Daytona 500 Start Time
The main event kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
FOX is handling the broadcast again. They usually start their pre-race coverage way earlier—expect the engines to actually fire closer to 3:00 p.m. after the flyovers and the "Drivers, Start Your Engines" command. If you’re watching from the West Coast, you’re looking at an 11:30 a.m. start. It's basically breakfast with restrictor-plate racing.
Where to Watch the Race
- Television: FOX
- Streaming: FOX Sports App, FuboTV, and YouTube TV
- Radio: MRN (Motor Racing Network) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
If you're stuck in your car or at work, MRN is the way to go. There is something about the frantic pace of their announcers that makes a green-flag pit stop sound like a high-stakes heist.
Speedweeks Schedule: More Than Just Sunday
You can't just talk about what time is Daytona 500 without looking at the gauntlet drivers have to run just to make the starting grid. Unlike every other race on the calendar, you don't just qualify and go home. You have to survive Speedweeks.
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The drama starts on Wednesday night. Qualifying for the Daytona 500 happens on February 11 at 8:15 p.m. ET. This only locks in the front row. Everyone else has to race their way in during the Duels on Thursday.
Thursday, Feb. 12: The America 250 Florida Duels
The Duels are two 150-mile sprint races that determine the rest of the starting lineup. Duel 1 starts at 7:00 p.m. ET on FS1. Duel 2 follows immediately after, usually around 8:45 p.m. These races are notorious for being "save the car" sessions that quickly turn into "I really want to win this" brawls. One wrong move here and a driver is forced to a backup car for Sunday, which is basically a death sentence for their chances.
Friday, Feb. 13: The Truck Series Opener
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series gets under way with the Fresh From Florida 250 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1. It’s chaotic. It’s messy. It’s exactly what Friday night at Daytona should be.
Saturday, Feb. 14: The Doubleheader
Saturday is a marathon. First, the ARCA Menards Series kicks off at noon ET. Then, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) takes the stage at 5:00 p.m. ET on The CW. It’s a huge day of racing that sets the tone for the big show.
Why the Start Time Matters for Strategy
Daytona is a weather game. At 2:30 p.m., the Florida sun is usually beating down on the 2.5-mile asphalt tri-oval. This makes the track "greasy." The cars slide around more, and handling becomes a massive issue.
As the sun begins to set later in the race, the track cools down. Suddenly, the tires find more grip. The cars become more stable, and that’s when the intensity cranks up. Drivers who were struggling to stay in the draft at 3:00 p.m. might find themselves leading a pack at 5:30 p.m.
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Also, we have to talk about the "Big One." It’s the massive wreck that almost always happens. When 40 cars are inches apart at 190 mph, a single blown tire or a bad bump-draft sends half the field into the wall. This usually happens in the final 20 laps. If the race starts at 2:30, expect the real carnage to happen right around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. ET.
Surprising Details for the 2026 Edition
There are a few things that make this year’s race a bit different. First off, Miranda Lambert is performing the pre-race concert. If you want to see that, you need to be tuned in or in your seats way before the 2:30 p.m. green flag.
Then there's the Jimmie Johnson factor. The seven-time champ is using an "Open Exemption" to make sure he has a spot on the grid. Watching a legend like Johnson navigate the current Next-Gen car at a superspeedway is always a treat, even if he’s mostly doing a part-time schedule these days.
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How to Prepare for Race Day
If you’re hosting a watch party, timing is everything. Since the race is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours long (depending on those inevitable "Green-White-Checkered" finishes), you want your food ready by the time the green flag drops.
- Check your local listings. While the national time is 2:30 p.m. ET, sometimes local affiliates have pre-race specials.
- Sync your devices. If you’re following along on Twitter (X) or a live leaderboard, remember that streaming services like Fubo or YouTube TV can have a 30-second delay. Don't let a "SPOILER: THE BIG ONE JUST HAPPENED" tweet ruin the moment for you.
- Plan for rain. It’s Florida in February. If the 2:30 p.m. start is delayed by a shower, NASCAR has the best drying equipment in the world (the Air Titans), but it can still push the finish into the late night.
The Daytona 500 is the only race where the biggest event of the year happens first. It sets the narrative for the entire season. Whether you’re a die-hard member of the "Rowdy" Busch fan club or you're pulling for a young gun like Connor Zilisch, Sunday at 2:30 p.m. is the moment the world starts turning again for race fans.
Actionable Next Steps:
Confirm your cable or streaming login for FOX now to avoid "password panic" five minutes before the green flag. If you are attending in person, download the Daytona International Speedway app to track real-time shuttle updates and gate entry times, as the property is massive and walking from the parking lot can take upwards of 45 minutes.