The Daytona 500 is set to ignite the NASCAR Cup Series with a thrilling qualifying session, but the drama has already begun! On February 11, 2026, the iconic Daytona International Speedway hosted the qualifying races, and the results are in. But here's where it gets interesting...
Controversy strikes early: NASCAR's new rule for 2026, aimed at driver safety, has already made an impact. Noah Gragson, a rising star, was disqualified for violating the rule prohibiting drivers from placing their hands by the window net during qualifying. A harsh lesson learned, but safety remains a top priority.
The top two qualifiers, Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe, will battle for the pole position. With a lap time of 49.006 seconds and an impressive speed of 183.651 mph, Busch secured the pole. Briscoe, not far behind, will start alongside him.
But the real excitement lies in the Duel races. These races will determine the rest of the lineup for the prestigious Daytona 500. The top two open cars, Corey Heim and Justin Allgaier, have already secured their spots, but the remaining drivers will fight for their chance to shine.
And here's the twist: The Duel races aren't just about qualifying; they're a strategic battle. Drivers must balance speed with precision, knowing that their performance here will set the stage for the main event. It's a high-stakes game where every second counts.
As the green flag drops on Sunday, the tension will be palpable. The Daytona 500 is more than a race; it's a showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Who will rise to the challenge and etch their name in NASCAR history? Only time will tell.
Check out the full qualifying results and starting lineups for the Duel races below:
Daytona 500 Qualifying Results (Round 1):
- Kyle Busch (49.933)
- Chase Briscoe (49.034)
- Ryan Preece (49.081)
- Denny Hamlin (49.105)
- Alex Bowman (49.117)
- Kyle Larson (49.121)
- Corey Heim (49.138) - Open car
- Chris Buescher (49.167)
- Chase Elliott (49.170)
- Joey Logano (49.172)
Final Qualifying Results:
- Kyle Busch (49.006)
- Chase Briscoe (49.023)
- Ryan Preece (49.061)
- Denny Hamlin (49.100)
- Corey Heim (49.148) - Open car
- Alex Bowman (49.152)
- Kyle Larson (49.158)
- Chris Buescher (49.184)
- Chase Elliott (49.220)
- Joey Logano (49.295)
Duel 1 Starting Lineup (February 12, 2026):
- Kyle Busch
- Ryan Preece
- Corey Heim
- Alex Bowman
- Chris Buescher
- Joey Logano
- Austin Dillon
- Corey LaJoie
- John Hunter Nemechek
- Brad Keselowski
- Ryan Blaney
- William Byron
- Cole Custer
- Cody Ware
- Jimmie Johnson
- Bubba Wallace
- AJ Allmendinger
- Ross Chastain
- Shane van Gisbergen
- Daniel Suarez
- Chandler Smith
- Casey Mears
- Noah Gragson
Duel 2 Starting Lineup (February 12, 2026):
- Chase Briscoe
- Denny Hamlin
- Kyle Larson
- Chase Elliott
- Ty Gibbs
- Christopher Bell
- Justin Allgaier - Open car
- Austin Cindric
- Zane Smith
- Michael McDowell
- Connor Zilisch
- Erik Jones
- Josh Berry
- Carson Hocevar
- Riley Herbst
- Todd Gilliland
- Anthony Alfredo
- Ty Dillon
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr
- Tyler Reddick
- BJ McLeod
- JJ Yeley
The stage is set for an unforgettable NASCAR weekend. Will the favorites dominate, or will we witness a surprise victory? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don't forget to tune in for all the action!
