Overview
- The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET at Daytona International Speedway.
- Jimmie Johnson is guaranteed a start via the open exemption provisional and, by electing it, forfeits championship points and race purse to finalize a 41-car grid.
- Up to eight open entries are vying for four remaining spots, including Anthony Alfredo, Justin Allgaier, Corey Heim, Corey LaJoie, B.J. McLeod, Casey Mears, Chandler Smith and JJ Yeley, with the entry list to be finalized by Wednesday.
- NASCAR’s adjustment ensures the two quickest open cars in single-car qualifying are locked into the race, while the others must be the top open finisher in their respective Duel to advance.
- Sportsbooks post a wide-open odds board—Logano and Blaney are among early favorites depending on the book—as analysts note Daytona’s volatility, with William Byron winning the last two editions despite leading only 14 total laps.