The 2026 Daytona 500 weekend mixes high drama on the track with practical questions about how to watch it. Below is a clear, reader-friendly rundown: where to stream the race, what happened in qualifying on Feb. 11, and the storylines to follow as the field settles through the Duels and into Sunday’s main event.
How to watch: FOX, Sling Blue and other streaming options
– The Daytona 500 airs on FOX. If you don’t have cable, most live-TV streaming services that carry local FOX affiliates will carry the race.
– Sling Blue is one affordable option that includes FOX in many markets. The package runs $54.99/month and generally offers more than 40 channels, a cloud DVR (50 hours), and up to three simultaneous streams on devices such as smart TVs, phones, tablets and browsers.
– Local availability varies. Blackout rules and channel lineups depend on regional carriage agreements, so check the provider’s channel list for your ZIP code before subscribing.
– Other services that carry local channels or offer FOX through virtual MVPDs are viable alternatives. Whichever route you choose, sign into the streaming app and test your connection before race day.
Qualifying recap — Feb. 11
– Kyle Busch grabbed the pole for the 68th Daytona 500, with Chase Briscoe alongside on the front row. Their times set the opening order and helped shape the pair of Duels that will finalize much of the Sunday grid.
– Ten drivers advanced to a second knockout round after fast single-car runs; among them were Ryan Preece, Denny Hamlin, Corey Heim and Alex Bowman. That mix hinted at who might be strong in both short runs and race trim.
– Rules enforcement shuffled one lineup: Noah Gragson had a lap disallowed for placing his hand outside the window to affect airflow and will start at the rear in the Duels.
– Open-car qualifiers: Corey Heim and Justin Allgaier secured two of the provisional open-car spots; the Duels will decide the remaining open qualifiers.
What to watch in the Duels and beyond
– The Duels aren’t just formality. Drafting partnerships, timing and pit execution typically decide who transfers into the Daytona 500 cleanly—and who has to play catch-up.
– Superspeedway racing is volatile by nature: a single mistake or a well-timed draft can flip fortunes in an instant. Expect alliances, strategic gambits and a premium on track position.
– Riders to note: Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old with Trackhouse Racing, has shown poise and improving lap times across practice and could surprise. Defending champion Kyle Larson remains a benchmark for consistency and strategy. Veterans like Chase Elliott, still seeking a Daytona 500 win, will be focused on short-run speed and drafting setups.
Practice, tributes and atmosphere
– Practice produced mixed results as teams balanced short-run speed with long-run drafting work. Austin Cindric posted the fastest lap earlier in the week; Ross Chastain and Jimmie Johnson also showed strong single-lap pace.
– The paddock paused to honor Greg Biffle, who died in an offseason plane crash. Teams and drivers shared memories and held tributes before competition resumed.
– Daytona organizers report a sellout for the 500, with packed grandstands promising a charged atmosphere for Speedweek.
Weather, timing and race-day tips
– Forecasts call for an elevated chance of showers on race day, which could delay starts or change strategies. Teams will be ready to adapt pit timing and drafting plans if conditions shift.
– Race day: green flag scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 15. If you’re streaming, confirm local FOX availability, test your app logins and internet connection beforehand, and have a backup device ready.
– For the smoothest stream, use a wired or high-bandwidth Wi‑Fi connection and make sure any necessary cables or adapters are at hand. If you plan to stream, double-check local FOX access on Sling Blue or your chosen service and prepare devices in advance so you don’t miss a lap.