Daytona 500: Live Updates, NASCAR Qualifying Start Time, TV Schedule
The excitement for the 2026 Daytona 500 is reaching a fever pitch as preparations are underway. On February 11, during Speedweek at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR drivers took to the track for their first practice session. The day’s events included media interactions, followed by the critical qualification rounds in the evening.
Daytona 500 Qualification Results
The qualifier set the stage for the race, determining the front row participants. Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe secured the top spots, but several key drivers are also in contention.
Top Qualifiers
- Kyle Busch – No. 8
- Chase Briscoe – No. 19
- Ryan Preece – No. 60
- Denny Hamlin – No. 11
- Corey Heim – No. 67
- Alex Bowman – No. 48
- Kyle Larson – No. 5
- Chris Buescher – No. 17
- Chase Elliott – No. 9
- Joey Logano – No. 22
A notable incident involved driver Noah Gragson, whose qualifying time was disqualified due to a violation of air deflection rules. Consequently, he will start from the back in the upcoming Duels.
Open Car Opportunities
Corey Heim and Justin Allgaier have clinched spots for non-chartered cars in the Daytona 500. Heim, driving for 23XI Racing, recorded the fastest lap among open entries, ensuring his place in the big event, while Allgaier, with JR Motorsports, also secured a spot.
Speed and Performance
During qualification, Ryan Preece achieved the highest speed, clocking in at 183.37 mph in 49.081 seconds. This performance exemplifies the tightly contested battle for speed on the track.
Honoring the Late Greg Biffle
The NASCAR community is also mourning the loss of Greg Biffle, who passed away in December, along with six others in a tragic plane crash. Biffle was a prominent figure in the sport, racing full-time until 2016.
Forecast for Daytona 500 Weekend
The weather forecast is crucial for the event, with potential rain affecting the races. The Daytona 500 is set to start on Sunday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Given the history of weather interruptions, teams will remain vigilant about the conditions.
Weather Overview
| Date | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | Mostly cloudy, high near 74°F |
| Thursday | 20% chance of showers, high near 68°F |
| Friday | 30% chance of showers, high near 70°F |
| Saturday | 20% chance of showers, high near 72°F |
| Sunday | Showers likely, high near 77°F |
Watch Daytona 500 Qualifying Live
Fans can tune in for live coverage of Daytona 500 qualifying, which starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on FS1. The event can also be streamed on FuboTV.
As the countdown to the prestigious Daytona 500 continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating race at Daytona International Speedway. For the latest updates and insights, keep reading Filmogaz.com.
