Even though this felt like the shortest offseason of all time, NASCAR engines have fired back up for 2026 and Daytona weekend is upon us. It’s off to a thrilling start too, as the first Truck Series race of the year ended in thrilling fashion to kick things off at the sport’s most famous venue.
The main event takes place Sunday with the 68th running of the Daytona 500. Kyle Busch will lead the field to green in what he hopes will be a spark toward breaking a long winless streak, while one of last year’s top Cup Series contenders, Chase Briscoe, will start beside him on the front row.
What time does the 2026 Daytona 500 start?
The broadcast for the 2026 Daytona 500 kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX. Two hours of pre-show isn’t unwarranted for The Great American Race, especially since there are more storylines than usual for this one — particularly after seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson announced that next year’s 500 will be his final race.
FOX has advertised the start of the race for 2:30 p.m. ET, though there is plenty of ceremony that will take place before Bart Simpson waves the green flag on Sunday. Yes, you read that right.
On Saturday (Feb. 14), however, NASCAR announced that it was moving the start time for the Daytona 500 to 1:30 p.m. ET due to the possibility of inclement weather later in the day on Sunday.
Expect the race to start in earnest around 1:50 p.m. ET.
Where to watch the 2026 Daytona 500
Along with the main broadcast for the race on FOX, driver cam feeds will be available on HBO Max. Head to the NASCAR section of the site or app if you are a subscriber.
If you’ll be out and about on Sunday, you can listen to the Daytona 500 via your local MRN radio affiliate or through the MRN website, or on SiriusXM NASCAR radio if you are a subscriber.
