NASCAR Daytona 500: Live Updates and Duel Qualifying Start Times

Casey Halston

Published: February 12, 2026 7:36 PM ET

NASCAR Daytona 500: Live Updates and Duel Qualifying Start Times

Daytona International Speedway is buzzing with excitement as the NASCAR Daytona 500 approaches. The long-awaited qualifying races, known as the Duel at Daytona, took place today, continuing a storied tradition. These races determine the starting lineup for the prestigious Daytona 500, set for Sunday.

Duel Qualifying Overview

The Duel consists of two 150-mile races, which are now officially 60 laps each. These races will finalize the starting positions for the Daytona 500. Today’s events include:

First Race: Starts at 7 p.m. ET
Second Race: Expected to begin at 8:45 p.m. ET

Both races are broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 and can also be streamed via Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Drivers and Starting Positions

The first Duel features notable drivers:

Kyle Busch and Ryan Preece leading Row 1
Corey Heim and Alex Bowman in Row 2
Chris Buescher and Joey Logano in Row 3

The second Duel includes:

Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin leading Row 1
Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott in Row 2
Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell in Row 3

Notable Events and Appearances

This week marks a special return for racing veteran Dave Marcis. At 85 years old, Marcis visited the Daytona International Speedway for the first time in two decades. He famously holds the record for the most starts in the Daytona 500, with a total of 33 appearances.

The atmosphere is further elevated with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds scheduled to perform a flyover before the Daytona 500.

Future Dates and Ticket Information

Looking ahead, the Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are currently available on StubHub starting at $104. Fans can also secure two-day passes for $263.