2026 NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500 | Automotive Experience
Paved Oval Racing
2026 NASCAR Cup Series DAYTONA 500
Daytona Beach, Florida, United States of America2026-02-15
About This Event
America's most-watched stock car race since 1959 — a 500-mile, 200-lap season opener on the 2.5-mile tri-oval Bill France Sr. built at Daytona International Speedway. The 31-degree banking in the turns creates the drafting battles and pack racing that define restrictor-plate superspeedway competition.
What to Expect
68th running of the Daytona 500 season opener
Two 60-lap Duel qualifying races setting grid positions third to 40th
Stage breaks after 65 and 130 laps during the 200-lap race
Hard Rock Bet Fanzone access lets fans walk the garage fandeck and view teams through garage windows
101,500 permanent grandstand seats following DAYTONA Rising renovations
Best Way to Experience It
300 level sections 340-362 face pit area and show the entire track
Fanzone access includes live entertainment stage and additional food and drink areas
Good to Know
Outside food and beverages allowed; all fans can leave and re-enter with valid tickets
Free parking available for most events
Tram and shuttle services operate between parking lots, entrances, grandstands, and infield
Mid-February weather typically mild with daytime highs ranging 60°F to 75°F
All concessions and ticket office operate cashless accepting major credit cards
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you value championship prestige — 68th running of NASCAR's season-opening flagship race since 1959, largest purse in series history, "The Great American Race" carries unique significance beyond points standings.
Best fit if you enjoy historic venues — 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway features 31-degree banking enabling 200 mph+ speeds through turns, tri-oval configuration creates multiple viewing angles across 180-acre infield with Lake Lloyd.
Best fit if you like passionate fan atmosphere — 150,000 race day attendance with families camping infield, bring-your-own-food policy encourages tailgating culture, free parking facilitates multi-day Speedweeks festival environment before 200-lap finale.
Not ideal if you prefer intimate racing events — 150,000 race day attendance with 450,000 across Speedweeks creates packed facility conditions, substantial parking/re-entry wait times, crowded concession areas throughout February racing festival.
Eatery
Factory Tour
Go-Kart
Museum
Track Experience
