Daytona hosts back-to-back NASCAR action as Xfinity and Cup Series race under the lights
Daytona International Speedway will stage a two-night NASCAR weekend, with the Xfinity Series taking the stage Friday night followed by the Cup Series on Saturday. The 2.5-mile superspeedway will showcase a 100-lap Xfinity race at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, and a 160-lap Cup Series race at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, in what should be a high-octane, high-stakes weekend.
What to expect this weekend
– Friday, August 22
– Xfinity qualifying runs 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
– Cup qualifying runs 5:05–6:30 p.m. ET
– Xfinity race: 100 laps (250 miles) begins at 7:30 p.m. ET; Stage 1 ends at Lap 30, Stage 2 at Lap 60
– Broadcast: Xfinity race on CW App; Cup qualifying and coverage via truTV, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
– Note: Ryan Truex is the defending Xfinity winner but is not entered in the 39-driver field this year
– Saturday, August 23
– Cup Series activity begins in the afternoon
– Cup race: 160 laps (400 miles) at 7:30 p.m. ET; Stage 1 ends at Lap 35, Stage 2 at Lap 95
– Broadcast: Cup race on NBC and Peacock; MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio coverage
Cup playoff implications and field notes
– The Cup race on Saturday serves as the 2026 regular-season finale and will determine the 16-driver playoff field. Defending Cup winner Harrison Burton is not entered in the Cup lineup but will compete Friday in the Xfinity race, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the weekend.
Weekend weather outlook
– Friday: Scattered thunderstorms possible with a high near 89°F. Winds southwest 5–10 mph. Rain chances around 60%, with the Xfinity race start around 82°F and a 49% chance of rain at that time.
– Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms likely with a high near 87°F. Winds light to moderate; rain chances about 60%. Cup race start around 81°F with a 46% chance of rain.
What to watch
– The Xfinity race on Friday offers a chance to see who might challenge for a strong result and potentially a playoff bid in the series.
– The Cup race on Saturday is a pivotal event for the 2026 season, shaping the playoff picture.
– Weather could impact tire strategy and pit planning on both nights given the potential for rain and heat.
Summary
Daytona’s back-to-back-night format promises fast, competitive racing with playoff implications in the Cup Series and a chance for Xfinity contenders to shine under the lights. Expect tight packs, lead changes, and on-track drama as the weekend unfolds amid variable late-summer weather.
Note: This rewrite draws on the weekend’s official schedule and conditions to present a concise, reader-friendly preview suitable for publication. If you’d like, I can add a short recap after the events or a quick driver-by-driver odds watch list.