2026 Daytona 500: Unveiling the Starting Lineup
NASCAR has officially announced the starting lineup for the highly anticipated 2026 Daytona 500. This year’s race will kick off with Kyle Busch, who secured the pole position, leading the field in hopes of clinching his first victory in this season’s Cup Series opener. Chase Briscoe will join him in the front row as he starts in second place.
2026 Daytona 500: Starting Lineup Overview
The second row is composed of notable competitors Joey Logano and Chase Elliott, who will start in third and fourth places respectively after their triumphs in Thursday night’s qualifying races. William Byron, aiming to become the first driver to achieve three consecutive Daytona 500 victories, will start from the 39th position in an elite 41-car lineup.
Starting Positions by Row
| Row | Position | Driver | Car Number | Make |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 8 | Chevrolet |
| 1 | 2 | Chase Briscoe | 19 | Toyota |
| 2 | 3 | Joey Logano | 22 | Ford |
| 2 | 4 | Chase Elliott | 9 | Chevrolet |
| 3 | 5 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Ford |
| 3 | 6 | Carson Hocevar | 77 | Chevrolet |
| 4 | 7 | Austin Dillon | 3 | Chevrolet |
| 4 | 8 | Kyle Larson | 5 | Chevrolet |
| 5 | 9 | Brad Keselowski | 6 | Ford |
| 5 | 10 | Michael McDowell | 71 | Chevrolet |
Noteworthy Drivers and Their Positions
Beyond the top contenders, other notable participants include Ryan Preece in 19th and Jimmie Johnson in 31st. Several other talented drivers make up the remaining positions, showcasing a diverse field of competitors.
Drivers Who Failed to Qualify
Some drivers encountered disappointment this year, failing to qualify for the race. The list includes Chandler Smith, JJ Yeley, BJ McLeod, and Corey LaJoie.
The 2026 Daytona 500 promises to be an exciting event, with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents competing for glory in one of NASCAR’s crown jewel races. Fans eagerly await the green flag as the countdown to this iconic event continues.
