Daytona 500 Start Time Moved Up to 1:30 PM ET

NASCAR race has been rescheduled due to potential inclement weather

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The start time for the 2026 Daytona 500 NASCAR race has been moved up to 1:30 PM ET on FOX, an hour and a half earlier than originally scheduled. This change was made due to the potential for inclement weather in the Daytona Beach, Florida area.

Why it matters

The Daytona 500 is one of the most prestigious and watched NASCAR races of the year, so any changes to the start time can significantly impact viewership and the overall event experience. Moving the start time up helps ensure the full race can be completed before any potential weather delays or cancellations.

The details

FOX will now begin its live coverage of the Daytona 500 at 11:30 AM ET, giving viewers extended pre-race access before the green flag drops at the earlier 1:30 PM ET start time. Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch landed the pole position during qualifying earlier this week, marking his first Daytona 500 pole.

  • The Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • Qualifying for the race took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Kyle Busch

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

NASCAR

The sanctioning body that oversees the Daytona 500 and other major stock car racing events.

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What’s next

The Daytona 500 will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2026 at the earlier start time of 1:30 PM ET.

The takeaway

Adjusting the start time of the Daytona 500 to avoid potential weather delays demonstrates NASCAR's commitment to providing the best possible race experience for fans, drivers, and teams.