Get your engines revving! Daytona Speedweeks are here, and the green flag is about to drop on the 2026 NASCAR season. After Ryan Preece's Clash at Bowman Gray victory, the pressure's on as drivers battle for crucial early-season points, kicking off with the Daytona 500 qualifying on February 11 and culminating in the main event on February 15 [2].
Quick Stats
- Cook Out Clash Winner: Ryan Preece
- Daytona 500: February 15, 2:30 p.m. ET on Fox
- TV Channels: Fox, FS1, The CW
- Live Stream: Fubo
Full Throttle: Daytona Speedweeks Schedule
Speedweeks isn't just about the Daytona International Speedway's Cup Series; it's a festival of racing. The week showcases the ARCA Menards Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and the newly-named O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series) [2]. Get ready for non-stop action, with practices, qualifying rounds, and thrilling races leading up to Sunday's main event.
O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Debut
Keep an eye on the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. As the rebranded Xfinity Series, it will be exclusively televised on The CW, starting February 14 [4]. This series provides a proving ground for up-and-coming drivers and features intense, door-to-door racing.
How to Watch
Catch all the Daytona Speedweeks action on Fox, FS1, and The CW [3]. Live streaming is also available on Fubo, offering a free trial for new subscribers. SiriusXM channel 90 will provide live radio coverage, including 10 channels of driver audio during the Daytona 500.
By The Numbers
The Daytona 500 is a grueling 200-lap, 500-mile race, split into three stages: 65 laps for Stage 1, 65 laps for Stage 2, and 70 laps for Stage 3 [5]. Forty-one drivers will battle for the Harley J. Earl trophy, including seven-time series champion Jimmie Johnson. Johnson will be granted an Open Exemption Provisional, locking him into the field, though he can't earn championship points or prize money.
Byron's Quest for a Three-Peat
William Byron aims to make history, seeking his third consecutive Daytona 500 win. Winning three in a row would put him in a class of his own, surpassing legends like Richard Petty and Denny Hamlin.
What To Watch Next
Following Daytona, the Cup Series heads to EchoPark Speedway on February 22 [1]. Then it's on to the Circuit of the Americas on March 1, and Phoenix Raceway on March 8. The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and every race counts towards securing a spot in the playoffs.
"The Great American Race" is more than just a race; it's an experience. Get ready for high speeds, dramatic finishes, and the unpredictable thrill of Daytona.
