The lineup for the highly anticipated Daytona 500 is officially confirmed, showcasing a diverse set of 41 drivers, ranging from seasoned veterans with numerous wins to promising newcomers. The event, which will be broadcast live on FOX on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET, promises an exciting mix of talent and experience, featuring a spectrum of ages and racing backgrounds.
Among those making headlines is Casey Mears, who will be competing in his 14th Daytona 500 start, aiming for a milestone 500th Cup start. Mears, driving for Garage 66, has faced obstacles, including significant damage repairs from the qualifying race. He’s set to start in 17th place.
B.J. McLeod, who secured a spot thanks to another driver’s disqualification, will be making his 150th career start, beginning in 38th position. Meanwhile, Cody Ware and Riley Herbst are both looking to improve from previous underwhelming seasons. Ware, switching from Ford to Chevrolet, starts 33rd, while Herbst, a Cup rookie last year, looks to build on a strong debut that saw him finish 10th in his first Daytona 500.
Other notable entries include Noah Gragson and Josh Berry, both seeking to solidify their standings at Daytona. While Gragson, starting 25th, aims to get in sync with a new crew chief, Berry’s prior performance in Daytona provides a glimmer of hope as he starts in 14th.
Legends of the sport like Jimmie Johnson are eager to make their mark once again. Johnson, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, returns hoping for a meaningful result after a hiatus from full-time Cup racing. He starts 31st and is determined to add to his record of 83 career wins.
Among the favorites are drivers like Denny Hamlin, who has triumphed in three of the last ten Daytona 500s, and Austin Dillon, the 2018 winner, both aiming to reclaim their spots in the limelight. New faces, such as Connor Zilisch and Corey Heim, will also be looking to make an impression in their Daytona 500 debuts.
The 2026 Daytona 500 is set to be a thrilling race, with high stakes for both newcomers and seasoned competitors alike. Between the fresh talents pushing for glory and the established champions striving for another victory, fans can anticipate an unforgettable race filled with intense competition and strategy.