The wait is finally over. The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season officially kicks off this Sunday with the 68th running of the "Great American Race"—the Daytona 500. As the 40-car field prepares to roar through the high banks of Daytona International Speedway, fans and bettors alike are scrambling to find an edge in what is traditionally the most unpredictable race of the year.
With a mix of veteran legends chasing their first Harley J. Earl Trophy and young guns looking to make a name for themselves, the 2026 edition promises high-stakes drama from the green flag to the checkered.
2026 Daytona 500: Race Info & How to Watch
Date: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET (Updated from 2:30 p.m. due to weather)
Track: Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile tri-oval)
TV: FOX
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
The Starting Grid: Busch and Briscoe Lead the Way
History was made during qualifying as Kyle Busch secured his first-ever Daytona 500 pole. Despite his legendary career, the "Great American Race" has eluded Busch for two decades. Starting alongside him on the front row is Chase Briscoe, who showed incredible speed in his Toyota.
The second row features the winners of Thursday night’s Bluegreen Vacations Duels: Joey Logano (Team Penske) and Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports). Both drivers look formidable, but at Daytona, a good starting position is only half the battle—surviving "The Big One" is the other.
2026 Daytona 500 Betting Odds (Top Favorites)
According to the latest lines from FanDuel and DraftKings, the favorites are tightly bunched:
- Kyle Busch: +900
- Denny Hamlin: +900
- Ryan Blaney: +1000
- Joey Logano: +1000
- William Byron: +1200
- Kyle Larson: +1700
Expert Predictions and Best Bets
When it comes to picking a winner at a superspeedway, many look to historical trends and "the model." For 2026, the data suggests some surprising pivots.
The Favorite to Fade: Joey Logano (+1000)
While Logano is a master of drafting and a former winner, the computer models are surprisingly cold on the No. 22 Ford this year. Despite his Duel win, Logano has failed to finish eight of his last 17 superspeedway starts. If you’re looking for stability, the model suggests Logano might find trouble before he finds Victory Lane.
The Top Contender: Kyle Larson (+1700)
Larson is the defending Cup Series champion, yet his odds remain relatively long because of his historically poor luck at Daytona. However, the 2026 model is surging on Larson, projecting him to finish near the front. At +1700, the value on the No. 5 Chevrolet is too high to ignore.
The Longshot Sleeper: Cole Custer (+8000)
If you want a "lottery ticket" pick, look no further than Cole Custer. Driving for the newly formed Haas Factory Team with a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, Custer has the equipment to stay at the front. He was in the top three on the final lap last year before a wreck took him out. At 80-1, he’s the ultimate value play for Sunday.
The Pursuit of the Three-Peat
All eyes are also on William Byron. After winning the 500 in 2024 and 2025, Byron is attempting to do what no driver has ever done: win three consecutive Daytona 500s. He’s the modern-day master of "right place, right time," and even at +1200, it feels risky to bet against the No. 24 car.
Who Wins the 2026 Daytona 500?
The 2026 field is one of the deepest in recent memory. Whether it’s Kyle Busch finally getting his career-defining win or a longshot like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. stealing the show again, the Daytona 500 never disappoints.
Our Pick: Ryan Blaney (+1000). Blaney has been the most consistent superspeedway racer over the last 24 months. He’s due for a 500 win, and with the Ford camp working in lockstep, this is the year the No. 12 car brings it home.
0 Comments
Please do not enter any spam link in the comment box.