skip to main content
We may earn money when you click our links.

How To Watch the Daytona 500 in 2026

Start your engines! NASCAR's Cup Series begins Sunday, February 15, with the Daytona 500.

The 68th Daytona 500 will kick off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series at the iconic Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 15. Coming just a week after the Super Bowl, this legendary race promises high-octane action as 40 drivers battle it out over 200 laps to claim a substantial purse.

Whether you’re a lifelong NASCAR fan or new to auto racing, you can watch the 2026 Daytona 500 on your local FOX channel. Below, I cover the best ways to tune in and outline the complete Daytona Speedweeks TV schedule.

What channel is the Daytona 500 on?

The 2026 Daytona 500 will air on FOX at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15. You can also watch the race on Fox Deportes for Spanish-language commentary.

Want driver cam access? You can stream live in-car camera views for all Daytona 500 racers on HBO Max.

Daytona 500 TV schedule: practices, qualifying, and more

The tail end of the 2026 Daytona Speedweeks series begins on Wednesday, February 11, setting the stage for a weekend of motorsport excitement.

FOX Sports will air a series of practice and qualifying events ahead of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15. During the buildup, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series will also open their seasons in Daytona Beach. Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss a heart-pumping second of track time.

Event Time (ET) Channels
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Cup Series opening practice 10:00 a.m. FS1
Cup Series pole qualifying 8:00 p.m. FS1
Thursday, Feb. 12
Truck Series practice 5:00 p.m. FS1
NASCAR RaceDay: Duel at Daytona 6:00 p.m. FS1
America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona No. 1 7:00 p.m. FS1
America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona No. 2 8:45 p.m. FS1
Friday, Feb. 13
Truck Series qualifying 3:00 p.m. FS1
O'Reilly Auto Parts Series practice 4:30 p.m. The CW App
Cup Series practice 5:30 p.m. FS1
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race 7:30 p.m. FS1
Saturday, Feb. 14
O'Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying 10:00 a.m. The CW App
ARCA Menards Series 200 race Noon FOX
Cup Series final practice 3:00 p.m. FS1
O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race 5:00 p.m. The CW
Sunday, Feb. 15
NASCAR RaceDay 12:30 p.m. FOX
Daytona 500 2:30 p.m. FOX, Fox Deportes

Data effective as of post date.

Which TV providers have FOX for the Daytona 500?

Most live TV providers carry FOX for the Great American Race, but Hulu + Live TV is our top pick for watching the entire NASCAR Cup Series. It offers nearly every NASCAR channel (aside from Amazon Prime Video), unlimited DVR storage, and worthy add-ons like HBO Max.

When it comes to Daytona 500 TV providers, FOX One is my pick for affordability. At just $19.99 per month, you’ll get access to every FOX NASCAR broadcast. Meanwhile, Spectrum and DISH are ideal if you don’t have a reliable internet connection. But I suggest visiting our Best TV Providers guide for a closer look at every available option.

Either way, you need access to FOX to see who can outrace last year’s Cup Champion, William Byron.

TV providers with FOX

Provider Price Channels Details
DIRECTV $89.99–$169.99/mo. 165–340+ View Plans for DIRECTV

Read DIRECTV review
DISH $89.99–$119.99/mo. 190–290+ View Plans for DISH

Read DISH review
Fubo $14.99–$94.99/mo. 50–291+ View Plans for FuboTV

Read Fubo review
Hulu + Live TV $88.99–$99.99/mo. 95+ View Plans for Hulu

Read Hulu + Live TV review
Spectrum $40.00–$110.00/mo. 150–160+ Check Availability

Read Spectrum review
Xfinity $55.00–$125.00/mo. 10–185+ View Plans for Xfinity

Read Xfinity review
YouTube TV $82.99/mo. 100+ View Plans for YouTube TV

Read YouTube TV review

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Need quicker internet to stream live NASCAR races?

No NASCAR fan wants their stream to lag during the last crucial laps. Enter your zip code below to find the best internet providers near you.

How can I watch the Daytona 500 for free?

You can watch the Daytona 500 for free with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna or a free live TV streaming trial through Fubo or DIRECTV.

You can find an antenna for as low as $20 to catch your local FOX broadcast for Daytona 500 coverage. Or, if you’re tight on money but want to enjoy some racing action, a live TV streaming service free trial comes in clutch.

How to watch the Daytona 500 FAQ

Is the Daytona 500 on FOX or FS1?

The Daytona 500 will air live on FOX and stream in the FOX Sports app, but you can watch practice and qualifying races on FS1.

Where can I stream the Daytona 500?

You can stream the Daytona 500 through the FOX Sports app using an active TV provider login. Otherwise, FOX and Fox Deportes are available through most live TV streaming services, including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.

Can I watch the Daytona 500 outside the US?

Yes, international viewers can watch the Daytona 500 across various broadcasters, including TSN in Canada, Fox Sports in Mexico, and Viaplay in the UK. If your country doesn’t have a dedicated NASCAR broadcaster, a VPN might help you access U.S. streaming services that carry FOX.

Who is the Daytona 500 grand marshal in 2026?

Stand-up comedian and actor Nate Bargatze will be the Daytona 500's grand marshal in 2026. Meanwhile, actor Kurt Russell will be this year's honorary pace car driver.

Who is performing at the Daytona 500?

Country singer Miranda Lambert will perform at the Daytona 500 Pre-Race Show.

Why you should trust us

CableTV.com sports writer, Chantel Buchi, researched and tested over a dozen TV providers to find the most affordable and reliable way to watch the Daytona 500. She examined cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services side by side, focusing on each provider’s pricing, channel availability, and sign-up process. This allowed her to bring you the best viewing options for the race and NASCAR season ahead.

Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.

CableTV.com Sports logo featuring animated athlete with raised hands.

Don't miss an update

Stay updated on the latest products and services anytime anywhere.

Curious what TV and internet providers are in your area?