Kyle Busch wins pole for Daytona 500 in 21st attempt

Veteran NASCAR driver claims first-ever pole position for the Great American Race

Feb. 12, 2026 at 3:23am

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Kyle Busch, driving the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, claimed his first-ever pole position for the Daytona 500 on Wednesday night at Daytona International Speedway. This marks the best Daytona 500 qualifying effort of Busch's championship NASCAR career.

Why it matters

Winning the pole position is a significant accomplishment for any driver, as it provides a prime starting spot and strategic advantage for the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious and challenging races in NASCAR. Busch, a veteran driver, has been trying to win the pole for the Daytona 500 for over 20 years, making this achievement all the more meaningful.

The details

Busch's No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet posted the fastest qualifying time on Wednesday night, securing the pole position for the 2026 Daytona 500. This marks the first time Busch has claimed the pole for the Great American Race in his illustrious NASCAR career.

  • The qualifying session took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Kyle Busch

A veteran NASCAR driver who has won multiple championships but has never before claimed the pole position for the prestigious Daytona 500.

Richard Childress Racing

The NASCAR team that fields the No. 8 car driven by Kyle Busch.

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What they’re saying

“Certainly, here on a Wednesday night, being able to qualify on my first pole for the Daytona 500, that's pretty special,”

— Kyle Busch

What’s next

Busch will look to capitalize on his pole position and win his first Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Kyle Busch's first-ever pole position for the Daytona 500 is a testament to his skill and perseverance as a veteran NASCAR driver, and it provides him with a prime opportunity to finally win the prestigious Great American Race.