Daytona 500 Start Time, NASCAR Race Lineup Revealed

William Byron seeks third straight Daytona 500 win, but starts 39th as Kyle Busch takes pole position.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The 2026 Daytona 500, the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series season, is scheduled for Sunday, February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. The green flag is set to drop around 2:13 p.m. ET, with the race airing live on Fox. William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports is looking to make history with a third consecutive Daytona 500 victory, but he will have to come from the back of the pack after qualifying 39th. Kyle Busch of Richard Childress Racing won the pole position.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR, and a third straight win for William Byron would cement his status as an elite driver. However, starting deep in the field presents a significant challenge, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions expected throughout the day.

The details

The Daytona 500 will take the green flag at approximately 2:13 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The race will air live on Fox, with coverage also available on the Fox Sports and Max streaming platforms. Fans can also listen to the race on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The forecast calls for a 30% chance of showers after 5 p.m., with the possibility of thunderstorms later in the evening if the race is delayed.

  • The Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • The green flag is set to drop around 2:13 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • There is a 30% chance of showers after 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the possibility of thunderstorms later in the evening if the race is delayed.

The players

William Byron

A driver for Hendrick Motorsports who is seeking an unprecedented third straight Daytona 500 victory, but will have to come from the back of the pack after qualifying 39th.

Kyle Busch

A driver for Richard Childress Racing who won the pole position for the 2026 Daytona 500.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the green flag scheduled to drop around 2:13 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

The 2026 Daytona 500 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race, with William Byron looking to make history but facing a significant challenge starting deep in the field, and Kyle Busch starting from the pole position. The weather conditions will also play a key role, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms potentially impacting the race.