The NASCAR Cup Series is back and opens the season with the “Great American Race” this weekend, the Daytona 500.
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This race is one of the most iconic and anticipated races of the season, and Sunday’s event will mark the 68th edition at Daytona. The days leading up to the main event, also known as Speedweeks, have been underway since Wednesday.
You never know what could happen in a race like this, but there are several strong drivers competing for the title. William Byron enters as a two-time defending champion and will look for an unprecedented three-peat, but Kyle Larson will look to defend his NASCAR season championship. Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney are also big favorites.
Who will take the checkered flag this year?
Here’s how to watch the 2026 Daytona 500 for free, including streaming options and the schedule for the iconic NASCAR race.
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Free live stream of the Daytona 500
Fans can tune in to Mike Joy’s Daytona 500 call on Fox or stream the race live on Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before purchasing. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and over 100 major live TV and sports channels without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does the Daytona 500 start?
The Daytona 500 will air on February 15, with the race officially starting at 1:30 p.m. ET, an hour earlier than originally scheduled due to rain in the forecast.
The green flag is expected to fall around 2:10 pm ET.
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Radio coverage of the Daytona 500
Fans can listen to the Daytona 500 live on SiriusXM on channel 90 on Sunday, February 15.
New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM free for four months. Listen to live games from the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay up to date with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sports-specific channels.
2026 Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
|
Initial position |
Driver |
Car No. |
Equipment |
|
1. |
kyle busch |
8 |
Richard Childress Careers |
|
2. |
Chase Briscoe |
19 |
Joe Gibbs Racing |
|
3. |
Joey Logano |
22 |
Team Penske |
|
4. |
Chase Elliott |
9 |
Hendrick Motorsports |
|
5. |
Ryan Blaney |
12 |
Team Penske |
|
6. |
Carson Hocevar |
77 |
needle motorsports |
|
7. |
Austin Dillon |
3 |
Richard Childress Careers |
|
8. |
Kyle Larson |
5 |
Hendrick Motorsports |
|
9. |
Brad Keselowski |
6 |
RFK Racing |
|
10. |
Michael McDowell |
71 |
needle motorsports |
|
11. |
John Hunter Nemechek |
42 |
Legacy Motor Club |
|
12. |
Christopher Bell |
20 |
Joe Gibbs Racing |
|
13. |
Shane van Gisbergen |
97 |
track racing |
|
14. |
jose berry |
21 |
Wooden Brothers Racing |
|
15. |
Daniel Suarez |
7 |
needle motorsports |
|
16. |
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
47 |
Hyak Motorsports |
|
17. |
Casey Mears |
66 |
Garage 66 |
|
18. |
Todd Gilliland |
34 |
Motorsports in the front row |
|
19. |
Ryan Preece |
60 |
RFK Racing |
|
20. |
Ty Gibbs |
54 |
Joe Gibbs Racing |
|
21. |
Alex Bowman |
48 |
Hendrick Motorsports |
|
22. |
Danny Hamlin |
11 |
Joe Gibbs Racing |
|
23. |
Cole Custer |
41 |
Haas factory equipment |
|
24. |
Eric Jones |
43 |
Legacy Motor Club |
|
25. |
Noah Gragson |
4 |
Motorsports in the front row |
|
26. |
Tyler Reddick |
45 |
Racing 23XI |
|
27. |
Bubba Wallace |
23 |
Racing 23XI |
|
28. |
Riley Herbst |
35 |
Racing 23XI |
|
29. |
Corey Heim |
67 |
Racing 23XI |
|
30. |
Zane Smith |
38 |
Motorsports in the front row |
|
31. |
Jimmie Johnson |
84 |
Legacy Motor Club |
|
32. |
Connor Zilisch |
88 |
track racing |
|
33. |
Cody Ware |
51 |
Rick Ware Racing |
|
34. |
Ty Dillon |
10 |
Racing Kaulig |
|
35. |
AJ Allmendinger |
16 |
Racing Kaulig |
|
36. |
Austin Cindric |
2 |
Team Penske |
|
37. |
Ross Chastain |
1 |
track racing |
|
38. |
BJ McLeod |
78 |
Live fast motorsports |
|
39. |
William Byron |
24 |
Hendrick Motorsports |
|
40. |
Justin Allgaier |
40 |
JR motorsports |
|
41. |
Chris Buescher |
17 |
RFK Racing |