Sports enthusiasts and patriotic fans alike have an exciting month ahead in February 2026, featuring some of the most anticipated events on the American sports calendar. Kicking off the month is the Milano Cortina 2026—a showcase of talent at the Winter Olympics, which promises over two weeks of thrilling ice and snow competitions.
Following the Olympic action, the eyes of the nation will turn to the 60th edition of the Super Bowl, where the New England Patriots are set to challenge the Seattle Seahawks in what promises to be a memorable showdown.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Just days later, the iconic Daytona 500, dubbed “The Great American Race” or the “Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing,” will take center stage. Scheduled for February 15 at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, this race marks the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. The event will be broadcast live on FOX at 2:30 p.m. Eastern.
This year’s Daytona 500 will witness 41 drivers compete in 200 laps around the 2.5-mile track, all vying for the coveted Harley J. Earl Trophy. The tradition surrounding the Daytona 500 has evolved significantly since its inception in 1959, transforming it from a single-day event into a week-long celebration filled with fan activities, concerts, and opportunities to meet drivers.
Historical performance at the Daytona 500 adds an extra layer of intrigue. Only 13 drivers have won the race multiple times, with NASCAR legend Richard Petty leading with seven victories. The current two-time defending champion, William Byron, aims to make history by becoming the first driver to win three consecutive Daytona 500s.
This year, Byron is among 37 drivers guaranteed a spot in the race, which includes an Open Exemption Provisional awarded to two-time winner Jimmie Johnson. The final four spots will be fiercely contested by eight Open entries, which include promising contenders such as Anthony Alfredo, Justin Allgaier, and Corey LaJoie.
The schedule leading up to the race promises exhilarating competition, including qualifying rounds and dual heats that will determine the grid for the main event. Teams will compete on Wednesday and Thursday, all culminating in one of NASCAR’s most celebrated traditions.
As racing fans gear up for February, they can look forward to not only the Daytona 500 but the entire NASCAR season, which boasts an array of thrilling races, culminating in a dedicated broadcast strategy across major networks.
This year’s Daytona weekend is set to be a jubilant kickoff to the racing season, celebrating not just the talent of the drivers but the passion of the fans. With the anticipation building and so much on the line, February 2026 is poised to be a remarkable month for sports in America.