The engines haven't roared just yet. If you're looking for the green flag today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you're actually a bit early for the main event, but you've landed right in the middle of the most intense buildup in motorsports.
Honestly, the "Great American Race" is a whole season of drama packed into one month. While today features some high-stakes sports car action at the track, the official Cup Series season opener is still a few weeks away on the calendar.
What Time Does Daytona 500 Start Today: Getting the Dates Right
If you're asking about the Daytona 500 start time, you need to mark Sunday, February 15, 2026 on your calendar. That is the big day. The green flag is scheduled to wave at 2:30 p.m. ET.
You'll be able to catch the whole thing on FOX.
But wait. What's actually happening today? Today is January 18, which means the track is currently dominated by the IMSA crowd. We are in the thick of the Roar Before the 24 and the lead-up to the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Specifically, at 1:20 p.m. ET today, you’ve got the IMSA VP Racing Sports Car Challenge. It’s not a 500-mile stock car sprint, but it’s fast, loud, and happens on the same hallowed ground.
The 2026 Speedweeks Schedule You Actually Need
NASCAR changed things up a bit this year. We’ve already seen the "Cook Out Clash" move back to Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1st, so the vibe is already electric.
Here is how the actual Daytona week shakes out:
- Wednesday, Feb 11: Single-car qualifying at 8:15 p.m. ET. This is where the front row is locked in.
- Thursday, Feb 12: The Bluegreen Vacations Duels. These start at 7:00 p.m. ET. They are basically two mini-races that decide the rest of the starting grid. They're usually chaotic.
- Friday, Feb 13: The Craftsman Truck Series season opener at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- Saturday, Feb 14: A massive doubleheader. You’ve got the ARCA Menards Series at noon, followed by the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) at 5:00 p.m. ET.
- Sunday, Feb 15: The Daytona 500. Pre-race coverage starts early, but 2:30 p.m. ET is the number to remember.
Why 2:30 p.m. ET is the Magic Number
NASCAR and FOX have settled into this mid-afternoon slot for a reason. It allows the race to transition from the bright Florida sun into the late-afternoon shadows, which makes the track surface "grip up" and changes the handling of the cars. It’s a nightmare for crew chiefs.
They have to guess how the car will behave when the sun dips. If they miss the adjustment, a car that was winning at lap 50 might be a "brick" by lap 150.
You've also got to consider the weather. February in Florida is unpredictable. A 2:30 p.m. start gives them a window to get the race in even if a rogue shower pops up, though we all remember the years when "The Great American Race" became "The Great American Monday."
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Where to Watch and Stream
If you aren't sitting in the grandstands with a cooler, you’ve got plenty of ways to watch.
- Local FOX Station: The traditional way.
- FuboTV or YouTube TV: Good for the cord-cutters.
- MRN Radio: If you're driving, there is nothing like hearing Mike Bagley and the crew call the action at 200 mph.
Surprising Details for the 2026 Race
One of the wildest things about this year is Jimmie Johnson. The seven-time champ is already locked into the field. Usually, "Open" teams (teams without a charter) have to sweat through qualifying or the Duels just to make the race.
Because of a rule change regarding the "Open Exemption Provisional," Johnson’s No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota is guaranteed a spot. This has ruffled some feathers in the garage. Basically, it means one less spot is available for the small teams trying to "race their way in."
The field will likely be 41 cars deep this year. That hasn't been a regular thing since the early 90s.
Why This Start Time Matters for Betting
If you’re into the sports betting side of things, keep an eye on the practice times leading up to that Sunday start. Draft-style racing at Daytona is about more than just speed; it’s about who your friends are.
Manufacturers (Ford, Chevy, Toyota) will literally have meetings to discuss how they will work together. If a Toyota driver doesn't have a "push" from another Toyota at the right time, they're toast.
The 2:30 p.m. start time means the air is still warm. Warm air is "thin" air. The cars don't have as much downforce. They wiggle more. They're harder to drive. That’s why the first half of the race is often a bit more "behaved" than the frantic finish under the lights.
How to Prepare for Race Day
Don't just turn the TV on at 2:30.
Get your snacks ready by noon. Check the weather radar for Daytona Beach. If there's a 40% chance of rain, expect a delay. But if the skies are clear, that 2:30 p.m. start time is a lock.
The best thing you can do right now is set a recurring alarm for the "Speedweeks" events. The Duels on Thursday night are often better than the 500 itself because drivers are desperate to make the big show.
Check your local listings as the date gets closer, especially if you're in a different time zone. For those on the West Coast, you're looking at an 11:30 a.m. brunch start. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday.
Your next move is to verify your streaming logins now so you aren't scrambling when the engines fire. If you’re planning on attending in person, download the Daytona International Speedway app to manage your digital tickets and check the gate opening times, which usually happen around 9:00 a.m. on race day.