Daytona 500 Race Weekend Kicks Off

NASCAR's biggest event of the year starts with ARCA and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races

Feb. 14, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Daytona International Speedway is hosting a NASCAR double feature this weekend, with the ARCA and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series cars taking to the track on Saturday, February 14th. The day will start with O'Reilly qualifying at 10am, followed by the ARCA General Tire 200 race at noon. The main event, the Daytona 500 Cup Series race, is scheduled for the following weekend.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is NASCAR's marquee event, drawing massive crowds and television audiences. The preliminary ARCA and O'Reilly races kick off an exciting two weeks of racing action at the iconic Daytona International Speedway.

The details

On Saturday, February 14th, the ARCA General Tire 200 will take place at noon, following O'Reilly qualifying at 10am. The main Daytona 500 Cup Series race is scheduled for the following weekend.

  • O'Reilly qualifying is at 10am on February 14, 2026.
  • The ARCA General Tire 200 race is at noon on February 14, 2026.
  • The Daytona 500 Cup Series race is scheduled for the following weekend.

The players

Daytona International Speedway

The iconic racetrack that hosts NASCAR's biggest events, including the Daytona 500.

ARCA

A NASCAR-owned racing series that serves as a developmental league for up-and-coming drivers.

O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

A NASCAR-sanctioned racing series that features stock cars and provides competitive racing action.

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What’s next

The main event, the Daytona 500 Cup Series race, is scheduled for the following weekend.

The takeaway

The Daytona 500 race weekend is the biggest event on the NASCAR calendar, and the preliminary ARCA and O'Reilly races kick things off with exciting action at the legendary Daytona International Speedway.