The 2026 Daytona 500 green flag is scheduled for approximately 2:13 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with live coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
The biggest question racing fans are asking today is what time is the Daytona 500, and as of Sunday, February 15, 2026, the official start times have been confirmed. The live broadcast begins at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and the green flag is scheduled to wave at approximately 2:13 p.m. ET at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. NASCAR officials moved the race earlier due to weather concerns, making this the finalized and current timing for today’s event.
The Daytona 500 opens the NASCAR Cup Series season each year. Millions of fans across the United States tune in or attend in person. That makes the exact start time critical for viewers, travelers, and race-day planners.
Official 2026 Daytona 500 Start Time
Here are the verified details for today’s race:
- Race Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Broadcast Start: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Green Flag: Approximately 2:13 p.m. ET
- Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
- TV Network: FOX
- Radio Coverage: MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
This updated timing reflects a weather-based adjustment made before race day. NASCAR announced the change after forecasts showed increasing chances of rain later in the afternoon.
Why the Start Time Was Moved Earlier
Florida weather in February can be unpredictable. Race officials reviewed updated forecasts that showed a higher probability of rain during the late afternoon hours.
Rather than risk a lengthy delay or postponement, NASCAR moved the race start forward by one hour. This decision increases the likelihood of completing all 200 laps without interruption.
Daytona 500 history includes several rain delays over the years. Officials aim to protect competitive fairness and improve the fan experience whenever weather becomes a concern.
How Long Does the Daytona 500 Last?
The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile race consisting of 200 laps around the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Under normal green-flag conditions, the race typically lasts between three and three-and-a-half hours.
If the green flag waves at approximately 2:13 p.m. ET and no major delays occur, fans can expect the race to conclude sometime between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. ET.
Weather delays, caution periods, and overtime finishes can extend that timeline.
Where to Watch the Daytona 500
Once you know what time is the Daytona 500, the next step is choosing how to watch it.
Television
FOX is broadcasting the 2026 Daytona 500 nationwide in the United States. Pre-race coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET.
Streaming Options
Fans without cable can stream the race live using services that carry FOX, including:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
- Sling TV
- FOX Sports App
Radio Broadcast
Live audio coverage is available through:
- MRN Radio
- SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
These platforms provide lap-by-lap commentary and expert analysis throughout the race.
Why the Daytona 500 Matters
The Daytona 500 is often called “The Great American Race.” It is the most prestigious event on the NASCAR calendar and awards more prize money than any other race in the season.
Unlike other motorsports series, NASCAR begins its championship campaign with its biggest event. Winning the Daytona 500 immediately locks a driver into playoff eligibility, provided they meet full-season requirements.
Because of its significance, every timing adjustment draws national attention. That explains why so many fans search what time is the Daytona 500 each year.
Race Day Conditions in Daytona Beach
As of this afternoon, Daytona Beach temperatures are in the upper 70s. Forecasts indicate increasing cloud cover with potential showers developing later in the day.
Wind conditions remain manageable for superspeedway racing. Teams prepared setups that account for drafting strategy and potential temperature changes.
Officials continue to monitor radar throughout the event. If lightning or heavy rain develops, NASCAR will pause the race for safety reasons.
Pre-Race Schedule Highlights
Race day includes more than just the green flag. Here’s how the afternoon unfolds:
- Morning: Track preparation and final inspections
- Early afternoon: Driver introductions and pre-race ceremonies
- 1:30 p.m. ET: National broadcast begins
- Around 2:13 p.m. ET: Green flag waves
The pre-race festivities include the national anthem, flyover, and ceremonial commands. Fans attending the race typically arrive several hours before the broadcast begins.
How the Start Time Compares to Previous Years
The Daytona 500 start time has shifted multiple times over the past decades. Earlier eras often saw noon starts. Modern television scheduling moved the race into early afternoon windows.
Recent years generally featured green flags between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. ET. The 2026 adjustment to a 2:13 p.m. ET green flag aligns with efforts to avoid late-day weather interference.
Broadcast strategy also plays a role. Early afternoon timing allows strong national TV ratings while giving West Coast viewers a comfortable morning viewing window.
Travel and Attendance Considerations
For fans attending in person, earlier start times affect parking, tailgating, and traffic flow. Daytona International Speedway opens parking lots early to accommodate race-day crowds.
Security screening and entry lines typically increase closer to race time. Fans are encouraged to arrive well before 1:30 p.m. ET to avoid missing pre-race ceremonies.
Hotels in Daytona Beach often book months in advance for Daytona 500 weekend. Local businesses experience one of their busiest tourism weekends of the year.
What Time Is the Daytona 500 in Other U.S. Time Zones?
Here’s how the green flag time converts nationwide:
- Eastern Time (ET): 2:13 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 1:13 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 12:13 p.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 11:13 a.m.
These conversions help fans across the country plan their viewing schedule accurately.
Race Format Overview
The Daytona 500 includes three stages:
- Stage 1: 65 laps
- Stage 2: 65 laps
- Final Stage: 70 laps
Drivers earn stage points in the first two segments. The winner receives 40 championship points and secures an early playoff advantage.
Superspeedway racing at Daytona emphasizes drafting strategy. Large packs of cars run closely together at nearly 200 mph. That creates dramatic finishes and occasional multi-car incidents.
Final Answer: What Time Is the Daytona 500?
To recap clearly and simply:
- Broadcast begins: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Green flag: Approximately 2:13 p.m. ET
- Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Location: Daytona International Speedway
- Network: FOX
These are the most current, verified race-day details for the 2026 Daytona 500.
Are you watching from home or at the track today? Share your predictions for the winner and join the conversation below.