Kyle Busch wins Daytona 500 pole position

Two-time NASCAR champion posts career-best qualifying time ahead of this weekend's race.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Kyle Busch has won the pole position for this weekend's Daytona 500 race, delivering what's reported to be the best qualifying effort of his career at the Daytona International Speedway. Busch, a two-time NASCAR series champion, hit speeds of nearly 184 miles per hour to earn the pole, with last year's polesitter, 31-year-old Chase Briscoe, coming in second.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR, and earning the pole position is a significant accomplishment that can provide a strategic advantage for the driver. Busch has never won the Daytona 500 before, so this could be his best chance to finally capture the checkered flag at the iconic race.

The details

In the qualifying session, Kyle Busch was able to post the fastest time, hitting speeds of nearly 184 miles per hour. This was reported to be the best qualifying effort of his career. Chase Briscoe, the 31-year-old driver who won the pole position last year, came in second place in the qualifying session.

  • The qualifying session for the Daytona 500 took place last night at the Daytona International Speedway.
  • The Daytona 500 race is scheduled for this Sunday, February 16, 2026, at 1:30 PM.

The players

Kyle Busch

A two-time NASCAR series champion who has never won the Daytona 500 before.

Chase Briscoe

A 31-year-old driver who won the pole position for the Daytona 500 last year.

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What they’re saying

“This is the best qualifying effort of my career, and I'm excited to have the pole position for the Daytona 500. I've been chasing this race for a long time, and I'm hoping this is the year I can finally get the win.”

— Kyle Busch

What’s next

The Daytona 500 race is scheduled for this Sunday, February 16, 2026, at 1:30 PM.

The takeaway

Kyle Busch's pole position for the Daytona 500 sets him up for a strong chance to finally win the iconic race, which has eluded him throughout his career. His career-best qualifying effort shows he is determined to capture the checkered flag this year.