Daytona 500 qualification races set for new look in 2026

This year's Daytona Duels may have a fresh branding this year, the official flyer for the race has revealed.

Last year's edition was simply called The Duel at Daytona, having moved on from being the Bluegreen Vacations Duel since 2020 – with this year seeing the eighth different name this century.

The pair of qualifying races this year will be called the America 250 Florida Duels at Daytona. Don't be fooled though, these aren't suddenly being made into 250 mile (or km) races.

America 250 Florida is simply the name of the races' sponsor – a campaign of the Florida Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, to plan and promote events to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in the state of Florida.

Daytona Duels set for facelift

The races, this year being run on the Thursday night before the main race, typically take a little under an hour each as they whet the appetite for the season-opening Cup Series spectacle on the Sunday,

Only two of the last 20 Duel races have passed the hour mark (Race 1 in 2018 and 2025 both ran longer than normal due to the amount of on-track drama), keeping the starter course nice and snackable.

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

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.

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