The 2026 Daytona 500, known as the Great American Race, celebrates its 68th edition this year and is set to take place at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. Scheduled for Sunday, February 20, the race marks the opening of the NASCAR season, with two-time defending champion William Byron aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive win. He will compete alongside a roster of accomplished past champions, including Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, and Jimmie Johnson, making up a field that features eight former winners among the 41 drivers entered.
While Byron has won the race for the last two years, he currently stands as the third favorite in the betting odds, priced at +1300. Ryan Blaney leads the pack at +850, followed closely by Logano at +1000. In a noteworthy addition to the lineup, talented rookie Connor Zilisch is drawing attention as a dark horse at +3000. Johnson, who seeks his third Daytona 500 victory, is considered a longshot at +7000. Due to predicted weather complications, the race start time has been adjusted to 1:30 p.m. ET.
Ahead of the race, NASCAR analysts are placing their bets and making predictions. Notably, seasoned DFS expert Mike McClure has created a model that simulates race dynamics 10,000 times, providing valuable insights. McClure has proven his expertise by correctly predicting numerous race winners, including 29 since 2021. His model indicates that Logano, despite his co-favorite status, may falter and is likely to miss the top five, due in part to previous crash incidents that cut his chances short in the last two Daytona 500s.
Amidst the excitement, new users can explore offers from FanDuel and DraftKings, with bonuses available for first-time players placing bets. These promotions provide an enticing opportunity for fans to engage with the race while supporting their favorites.
The upcoming Daytona 500 is set to be a thrilling contest, promising high stakes and intense competition as the next generation of NASCAR talent faces off against established racing icons. Fans are eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama of the race, indicative of the rich legacy of this historic event. With an entertaining blend of experience and fresh talent, this year’s Daytona 500 is poised to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.