Unpredictable Daytona 500 Qualifying Looms in 2026

Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, and Toyota drivers all have a shot at the pole position for NASCAR's biggest race.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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After over a decade of Chevrolet dominance in Daytona 500 qualifying, the 2026 edition of NASCAR's biggest race is shaping up to be wide open. Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, and Toyota all have strong contenders for the pole position, making for an unpredictable and exciting qualifying session.

Why it matters

Winning the pole position for the Daytona 500 is a prestigious accomplishment, as it guarantees a front-row starting spot for the "Great American Race." The shift in qualifying power away from Chevrolet in recent years has opened up the competition, setting the stage for an intriguing battle to see who will earn the honor of leading the field to the green flag.

The details

From 2008 to 2023, Chevrolet drivers won 15 of 16 Daytona 500 pole positions, including an 11-year streak from 2013 to 2023. However, that dominance has waned in the last two years, with Ford and Toyota drivers emerging victorious in superspeedway qualifying. Team Penske's Joey Logano broke Chevy's stranglehold in 2024, while Joe Gibbs Racing's Chase Briscoe earned Toyota's first Daytona 500 pole in 2025. The Hendrick Motorsports quartet of Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, and William Byron will be among the favorites, but they'll face stiff competition from the likes of Briscoe, Logano, and a pair of Daytona 500 champions in Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Austin Dillon.

  • Daytona 500 qualifying will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Hendrick Motorsports

A dominant NASCAR team that has won 11 Daytona 500 pole positions since 2013, including multiple drivers such as Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, Kyle Larson, and William Byron.

Team Penske

A top NASCAR team that has found success in superspeedway qualifying, with Joey Logano breaking Chevrolet's stranglehold on the Daytona 500 pole in 2024.

Joe Gibbs Racing

A leading Toyota team in NASCAR, with driver Chase Briscoe earning the first Daytona 500 pole for the manufacturer in 2025.

Front Row Motorsports

A NASCAR team that has found recent success in superspeedway qualifying, with drivers like Michael McDowell and Zane Smith earning pole positions.

LEGACY Motor Club

A NASCAR team co-owned by Jimmie Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 pole winner and two-time Daytona 500 champion.

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What’s next

The Daytona 500 qualifying races on Thursday, February 13, 2026, will determine the final starting lineup for the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The 2026 Daytona 500 qualifying session promises to be an exciting and unpredictable affair, with multiple top teams and drivers vying for the coveted pole position. The shift in power away from Chevrolet has opened the door for new contenders, setting the stage for a thrilling start to NASCAR's biggest race.