How to watch 2026 Daytona 500: Start time, TV Channel, Schedule, Date, Streaming

NASCAR drivers and racing teams are preparing to launch the 2026 Cup Series season with the 68th annual Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida on Sunday, February 15. The event, which serves as the premier fixture on the stock car racing calendar, is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET, marking the start of the 78th edition of the prestigious championship. This year’s race is viewed by industry experts as a cornerstone of what is expected to be the most significant season in the modern history of the Cup Series. Fans looking to catch the action live have several viewing options across traditional and digital platforms. The primary broadcast rights are held by FOX, which will provide national television coverage of the Great American Race. For those preferring digital access, the event will be available via the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com. Additionally, the race will be accessible through FOX One, ensuring that the high-octane spectacle reaches the widest possible audience across various devices. The rise of cord-cutting has also been accounted for, as the broadcast will be available on numerous subscription-based streaming services that feature local FOX affiliates. These include popular platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, fuboTV, and Sling TV. This accessibility ensures that viewers without a standard cable package can still witness the season opener, which traditionally draws the highest television ratings of any NASCAR event throughout the year. The Daytona 500 is the culmination of a full week of competitive events beginning on Wednesday, February 11. The multi-day schedule includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and secondary races that build momentum leading up to Sunday's main event. This structured lead-up at the 2.5-mile tri-oval track allows teams to fine-tune their vehicles and gives fans a comprehensive motorsports experience before the green flag drops for the primary 500-mile contest.