If you’re wondering what time is the Daytona 500, the official 2026 start time is now confirmed: the race takes place Sunday, February 15, 2026, with coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time and the green flag scheduled for 2:13 p.m. ET. NASCAR adjusted the original schedule due to weather concerns, moving the event earlier to avoid potential rain delays.
The Daytona 500 marks the opening race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season and remains the most prestigious event on the stock car calendar. Fans across the United States can plan their Sunday around the updated and finalized race timing.
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Daytona 500 2026 Start Time (Official Details)
Here are the confirmed race-day details for this year’s event:
- Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Pre-Race Coverage Begins: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Green Flag Time: 2:13 p.m. ET
- Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
- Race Distance: 500 miles (200 laps)
The adjusted start ensures the full race can be completed without interruption from forecasted afternoon weather. Officials confirmed the one-hour shift ahead of race weekend to protect the integrity of the event.
For fans asking again — what time is the Daytona 500 — the key moment to remember is 2:13 p.m. ET, when the green flag drops and racing officially begins.
Why the Start Time Was Moved Earlier
Weather forecasts for Daytona Beach showed a significant chance of rain during the original afternoon window. NASCAR officials responded quickly and shifted the schedule forward by one hour.
This decision helps avoid delays or a potential postponement. In past years, weather interruptions have pushed the race into the evening or even to the following day. Moving the start time earlier improves the likelihood of completing the full 500 miles on Sunday.
The proactive change reflects NASCAR’s effort to protect teams, fans, and broadcast partners while preserving the race-day experience.
What Channel Is the Daytona 500 On?
The 2026 Daytona 500 airs live on FOX nationwide.
Television coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET with pre-race programming that includes driver introductions, expert analysis, and ceremonial festivities. The green flag follows at 2:13 p.m. ET.
Radio coverage is also available through:
- MRN (Motor Racing Network)
- SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Fans streaming through supported platforms can access live coverage as part of the FOX broadcast package.
What Makes the Daytona 500 So Important?
The Daytona 500 is often called “The Great American Race” for good reason. It opens the NASCAR Cup Series season and carries the largest purse and prestige in stock car racing.
Winning at Daytona International Speedway instantly elevates a driver’s career. Past champions include legends and modern superstars alike. The event consistently delivers dramatic finishes, last-lap passes, and unpredictable pack racing.
The 2.5-mile superspeedway layout encourages tight drafting, which often leads to photo finishes and high-intensity action.
Race Weekend Timeline Overview
Before Sunday’s main event, Speedweeks included several key sessions:
- Practice sessions throughout the week
- Pole qualifying to determine the front row
- Duel qualifying races to finalize the starting lineup
- Support series events
By race day, the starting field of 40 drivers is officially set.
The Daytona 500 consists of:
- 200 laps total
- Stage breaks built into the race
- Pit strategy playing a major role
- Drafting packs that shift constantly
Because of the superspeedway format, any driver in the lead pack has a chance to win in the final laps.
How Long Does the Daytona 500 Last?
The race typically lasts around three to four hours, depending on cautions and weather conditions.
With the 2:13 p.m. ET green flag, fans can expect the race to conclude between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET if there are no significant delays.
However, caution flags, overtime finishes, or weather interruptions can extend that window.
Time Zone Conversions for U.S. Viewers
For fans outside the Eastern Time Zone, here’s when the race begins locally:
- Central Time (CT): 1:13 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 12:13 p.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 11:13 a.m.
Pre-race coverage in each zone begins one hour earlier than the green flag equivalent.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Name | Daytona 500 |
| Date | February 15, 2026 |
| Green Flag | 2:13 p.m. ET |
| Pre-Race Coverage | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| Track Length | 2.5 miles |
| Total Distance | 500 miles |
| Laps | 200 |
| TV Network | FOX |
This snapshot provides everything fans need without confusion.
Race-Day Atmosphere at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway transforms into the center of American motorsports during race weekend. Tens of thousands of fans pack the grandstands and infield.
The pre-race ceremony includes:
- Driver introductions
- National anthem
- Military flyover
- Command to start engines
The energy builds as engines fire and cars roll onto the track for formation laps.
Once the green flag waves, drivers battle in tight packs that can change the leader within seconds.
What to Watch For in 2026
Several storylines headline this year’s event:
- Returning champions looking to repeat
- Young drivers chasing their first Daytona win
- Veterans aiming to cement their legacy
- Strategy calls during final-stage pit stops
Superspeedway racing often produces unexpected winners. A late caution or overtime restart can completely change the outcome.
Because of drafting dynamics, the final lap frequently determines the winner.
Planning Your Race Day
If you’re organizing your Sunday around the event, remember:
- Tune in by 1:30 p.m. ET for full coverage
- Expect the green flag at 2:13 p.m. ET
- Allow for a multi-hour viewing window
- Monitor weather updates if you’re attending in person
Arriving early at the track is recommended due to traffic and security lines.
At home, many fans turn the Daytona 500 into a watch party tradition, complete with food, drinks, and race pools.
Final Reminder
For anyone still asking what time is the Daytona 500, the official green flag drops at 2:13 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with live coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Are you watching from home or heading to Daytona? Share your race-day plans and stay tuned for live updates as the green flag approaches.
