NASCAR Drivers Embrace Fatherhood as Daytona 500 Approaches

Over 15 full-time NASCAR drivers now juggle 200 mph racing and dad duty ahead of the season opener.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 5:39pm

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The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is kicking off with a record-breaking roster of racing dads, as many of the sport's top drivers have welcomed children in recent years. From veteran fathers like Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch to newcomers like Ryan Blaney and Justin Haley, the NASCAR garage has transformed into a playground, with drivers balancing high-speed competition with diaper duty.

Why it matters

The influx of NASCAR dads reflects the sport's evolution, as the "young guns" who entered the series a decade ago have now become family men. This shift has softened the edges of some of the sport's fiercest rivals, who are now often seen comparing notes on car seats rather than car setups during rain delays.

The details

The 2026 season features over 15 full-time NASCAR drivers who are also fathers, including Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, and more. Many of these drivers have welcomed children in recent years, with some even starting their own micro-racing teams to get their kids involved in the sport at a young age.

  • The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is kicking off with the Daytona 500 on February 12, 2026.
  • Ryan Blaney and Justin Haley both welcomed their first children during the offseason, entering the 2026 season with the ultimate "dad strength".
  • Bubba Wallace's second child is expected to arrive during the upcoming West Coast swing in March 2026.

The players

Kyle Larson

A NASCAR driver with 3 kids: Owen (11), Audrey (7), and Cooper (3). He recently started a micro-racing team for them.

Kyle Busch

A NASCAR driver with 2 kids: Brexton (10), a rising racing star, and Lennix (4).

Ryan Blaney

A NASCAR driver who welcomed his first child, Charley Bennett, in late 2025.

Bubba Wallace

A NASCAR driver whose second child is expected to arrive during the upcoming West Coast swing in March 2026.

Justin Haley

A NASCAR driver who welcomed his first child in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“As I drive or coach him, and I look at things where I can talk to him about and have him get better off the race track, I think about those moments when I'm in the car myself.”

— Kyle Busch, 2026 Daytona 500 pole sitter

“It just changes your perspective on things and life and stuff like that. You appreciate the little things more when you have a child.”

— Ryan Blaney

“Welcoming the second one is gonna be a lot of work, but, we're ready for it. We've done it once, we can do it again.”

— Bubba Wallace

“Speaking of Bubba, he and I grew up with each other. Knew each other ever since we were 8 or 9 years old. Now, our sons being able to grow up knowing each other and having that relationship. That part is really, really cool and really special.”

— Ryan Blaney

What’s next

As the season progresses, the narrative will be not just about who takes the checkered flag, but which of these racing fathers will be greeted by their kids in Victory Lane.

The takeaway

The influx of NASCAR dads reflects the sport's evolution, as the "young guns" who entered the series a decade ago have now become family men. This shift has softened the edges of some of the sport's fiercest rivals, who are now often seen comparing notes on car seats rather than car setups during rain delays.