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Daytona 500 Kicks Off NASCAR Season
Date, time, performers announced for 68th annual race
Feb. 13, 2026 at 8:15am
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The 68th annual Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest event, is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The race will feature 41 cars racing 200 laps (500 miles) over three stages, with Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe starting on the front row. The event will be broadcast live on Fox, with the pre-race concert performed by country star Miranda Lambert and a flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Why it matters
The Daytona 500 is considered the most prestigious race in NASCAR, kicking off the sport's annual season and drawing massive crowds and viewership. As one of the most iconic motorsports events, the Daytona 500 generates significant interest and excitement among NASCAR fans and the broader sports community.
The details
The Daytona 500 will consist of three stages - the first two at 65 laps each, and the final stage at 70 laps. Wednesday night's pole qualifying session determined the starting positions, with Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe securing the front row. The race will be broadcast live on Fox, with streaming available on Fubo. Country star Miranda Lambert is set to perform the pre-race concert, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will provide the flyover before the start of the race. The honorary starter and national anthem singer have yet to be announced.
- The 68th annual Daytona 500 is Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- The race is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET.
The players
Kyle Busch
NASCAR driver who secured a front row starting position for the 2026 Daytona 500 through Wednesday's pole qualifying session.
Chase Briscoe
NASCAR driver who secured a front row starting position for the 2026 Daytona 500 through Wednesday's pole qualifying session.
Miranda Lambert
Country music star who will perform the pre-race concert at the 2026 Daytona 500.
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
The U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron that will provide the flyover before the start of the 2026 Daytona 500.
Nate Bargatze
Comedian who will give the command to start engines before the 2026 Daytona 500.
What they’re saying
“The Daytona 500 is such an iconic event, and I'm honored to be part of the pre-race festivities. I can't wait to take the stage and get the crowd pumped up for an exciting race.”
— Miranda Lambert, Country music star
What’s next
The honorary starter and national anthem singer for the 2026 Daytona 500 have yet to be announced by Fox Sports.
The takeaway
The 2026 Daytona 500 promises to be another thrilling kickoff to the NASCAR season, with a star-studded lineup of performers, flyovers, and an enthusiastic crowd ready to witness the sport's biggest annual event.
