So, you’re looking for the winner of the Daytona race last night. It’s early January 2026. If you’ve been scrolling social media or checking sports apps, you might be seeing a lot of chatter about "Daytona results."
But honestly? Nobody won a major NASCAR race last night.
I know that's probably not the answer you wanted, but here's the deal: the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season hasn't actually started yet. We are currently in that weird, quiet lull before the storm. If you saw a headline or a "who won" post, it was likely referring to old highlights, smaller local events, or—more likely—people getting hyped for the upcoming Rolex 24 and the Daytona 500.
What Really Happened at Daytona Last Night?
If we're being literal about what’s happening at the track right now, it’s mostly prep work. We are just days away from the Rolex 24 at Daytona (the big IMSA endurance race), which starts on January 22, 2026. Last night, the garage area at Daytona International Speedway was probably bustling with mechanics and engineers, but there wasn't a checkered flag waved for the Cup Series.
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Sometimes, late-night testing or small-circuit dirt races nearby can confuse the algorithm. But for the big names—the Chase Elliotts and Ryan Blaneys of the world—their calendars are marked for February.
Who Won Daytona Last Night? Clearing Up the Confusion
Wait, if there wasn't a race last night, why are people asking who won Daytona? Usually, this happens because of "The Duel" or the Summer race highlights popping up in people's feeds.
The last time a massive trophy was handed out at this track was back in August 2025. In that race, Ryan Blaney pulled off an absolutely ridiculous move, surging from 13th to 1st in the final two laps to win the Coke Zero Sugar 400. It was one of those finishes that makes you scream at the TV. If you’re seeing "last night" results, you might be catching a replay of that 0.031-second margin of victory over Daniel Suárez.
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The Most Recent Daytona Winners
- 2025 Daytona 500 Winner: William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports).
- 2025 Coke Zero Sugar 400 Winner: Ryan Blaney (Team Penske).
- 2024 Rolex 24 Overall Winner: Porsche Penske Motorsport.
Basically, if someone is telling you they "won Daytona" on January 14, 2026, they might be talking about a virtual iRacing league or a very specific local qualifier that doesn't hit the national news.
Looking Ahead: When is the Real Daytona 500?
The wait is almost over. The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15, 2026. This will be the 68th running of "The Great American Race."
There is a ton of pressure on William Byron this year. He won it in 2024. He won it again in 2025. If he manages to pull off a three-peat in 2026, we are talking about a historic run that hasn't been seen since the days of Cale Yarborough.
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But before we get there, we have the "Roar Before the 24" testing and the Rolex 24 at the end of this month. That's when the track truly wakes up from its winter nap. You’ll see drivers from all over the world—F1, IndyCar, and NASCAR—crammed into sports cars for 24 hours of exhaustion.
Why This Matters for Your Betting or Fantasy Picks
If you’re checking results because you’re looking for an edge in your 2026 fantasy NASCAR league, don't look at "last night." Look at the testing speeds coming out of the IMSA sessions.
Drivers like Denny Hamlin are coming into 2026 with a massive chip on their shoulder. Hamlin lost the 2025 championship in a heartbreaking fashion, and he’s currently tied for second-most Daytona 500 wins of all time. He wants that fourth ring. Badly.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the IMSA Schedule: If you want to see actual cars on track, the Rolex 24 starts January 22. It’s the best way to scratch that racing itch before February.
- Verify the Date: If you see a "winning" clip on TikTok or X, look at the timestamp. NASCAR's social media team loves posting "On This Day" or "Last Year at Daytona" content that confuses search engines.
- Set Your Alarms: Mark February 11, 2026, for Daytona 500 Qualifying. That’s when the real "who won" questions start having real answers.
Don't let the lack of a race last night bum you out. The 2026 season is shaping up to be chaotic with the new championship format changes NASCAR recently announced. Keep your eyes on the practice speeds later this month; that’s where the real story begins.