With Christmas now out the way and New Years fast approaching, we've hit the 50 days to go mark ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season opener.
The iconic Daytona 500 will run on Sunday February 15 in Florida, starting the season with the traditional crown jewel event.
While many in the sport will be looking for clues as to who's improved and dropped off over the winter, with 35 more races to go until a title winner is crowned at Homestead-Miami in November, it's impossible to overlook the event's importance in its own right.
William Byron is looking to clinch an unprecedented three-peat at the single biggest race in the sport after his wins in 2024 and 2025, a feat that no NASCAR driver in history has achieved.
However, the betting market is currently headed by 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney at +1000, and he is closely followed by three-time champion Joey Logano on +1100.
Team Penske star Austin Cindric is a +1400 shot, followed by that man Byron at +1500 and then Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott both on +1600.
Denny Hamlin has won this great race three times in the past, but he is still available at big odds (+2000), just behind Kyle Larson (+1800), the man who pipped him to the Cup Series title in November.
One huge NASCAR name yet to prevail at Daytona is the great Kyle Busch, and he is another +2000 shot as he struggles to return to relevance with Richard Childress Racing.
There will be much excitement about the full-time Cup Series debut year for teen Trackhouse sensation Connor Zilisch, and he is currently trading at +5000.
One man who does not have odds against his name yet is seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. He delivered an epic performance to finish third in 2025, and it has been confirmed that he will once again drive the No. 84 Carvana Toyota for Legacy Motor Club.
CUP SERIES SCHEDULE: Race dates, times and TV for the 2026 season
Latest Daytona 500 Odds for 2026
| Driver | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ryan Blaney | +1000 |
| Joey Logano | +1100 |
| Austin Cindric | +1400 |
| William Byron | +1500 |
| Brad Keselowski | +1600 |
| Chase Elliott | +1600 |
| Kyle Larson | +1800 |
| Denny Hamlin | +2000 |
| Kyle Busch | +2000 |
| Christopher Bell | +2200 |
| Bubba Wallace | +2500 |
| Tyler Reddick | +2500 |
| Chase Briscoe | +2800 |
| Chris Buescher | +3000 |
| Ryan Preece | +3000 |
| Ricky Stenhouse Jr | +3000 |
| Ross Chastain | +3300 |
| Carson Hocevar | +3500 |
| Alex Bowman | +3500 |
| Josh Berry | +3500 |
| Michael McDowell | +4000 |
| Connor Zilisch | +5000 |
Daytona 500 date, start time and how to watch live
The big race takes place at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday February 15, 2026.
The confirmed start time is 2.30pm and the race will air live on FOX.
NASCAR TODAY: Cup Series champion open to racing return as Larson exposes legend's obsession
