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Daytona Beach, FL – The roar of engines is set to echo across Daytona International Speedway as the 68th running of the Daytona 500 headlines a packed Speedweek schedule, featuring a staggering 181 total entries across the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS), NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), and the ARCA Menards Series. This extensive roster promises a week of intense competition and thrilling racing as the 2026 season officially kicks off.
The crown jewel event, the Daytona 500, has attracted a formidable field of 45 entries. Notably, the list includes eight previous Daytona 500 winners, adding a layer of seasoned expertise and historical significance to the race. Seven NASCAR Cup Series champions are also set to compete, underscoring the high stakes and caliber of talent converging on the iconic superspeedway. The battle for starting spots in the prestigious 500-mile event will be particularly fierce, with eight open entries vying for the final four guaranteed grid positions. Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion, will utilize a ninth open entry with an Open Exemption Provisional, ensuring a robust 41-car field is set for the Great American Race.
Beyond the Cup Series, Daytona will serve as the season-opener for three other major NASCAR-affiliated divisions, collectively contributing to the massive entry count. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series) is set to launch its 2026 campaign with the United Rentals 300, drawing a competitive 42 drivers and teams. Thirty-eight of these entries will secure a starting position on the grid. Among the notable participants is Carson Hocevar, who is scheduled to compete in this event as part of a demanding triple-duty weekend that also includes Cup and Truck Series races.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will commence its season with the Fresh From Florida 250, boasting 44 entries. Thirty-six trucks will ultimately qualify for the race. This event is poised to be a significant spectacle, marked by the return of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart to truck racing. Furthermore, Kaulig Racing is set to debut its new Ram truck effort, adding another competitive dimension. Several full-time Cup Series drivers are also slated to compete in the truck race, including Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Michael McDowell, John-Hunter Nemechek, and Carson Hocevar, leveraging the series as a platform for additional track time and preparation. A new provisional rule has been implemented to guarantee at least four Ram entries will make the starting field, reflecting the manufacturer’s investment and commitment.
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The ARCA Menards Series will also kick off its 2026 season with the General Tire 200, presenting an impressive roster of 50 entries. Forty cars are slated to qualify for this event, setting the stage for early-season rivalries and the emergence of new talent.
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series ‘United Rentals 300’ Entry List (Selected Highlights):
The United Rentals 300 entry list showcases a blend of established veterans and promising newcomers. JR Motorsports, a powerhouse in the Xfinity Series, fields a strong lineup including Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, Carson Kvapil, and Rajah Caruth. Joe Gibbs Racing also presents a formidable team with William Sawalich, Gio Ruggiero, Brandon Jones, and Taylor Gray. Richard Childress Racing is represented by Jesse Love and Austin Hill. Drivers like Corey Day, making a notable appearance with Hendrick Motorsports, and Harrison Burton, now with Sam Hunt Racing, add further intrigue to the field. The series opener will serve as an early indicator of championship contenders.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ‘Fresh From Florida 250’ Entry List (Selected Highlights):
The Fresh From Florida 250 entry list is brimming with star power and noteworthy entries. TRICON Garage enters multiple trucks, including Tanner Gray and Gio Ruggiero, alongside TBA entries. Kaulig Racing’s new Ram program features Daniel Dye, Brenden Queen, and Justin Haley, with Tony Stewart notably piloting the No. 25 truck. Spire Motorsports will field Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar. Niece Motorsports has a strong contingent including Garrett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland), Travis Pastrana, Andrés Pérez de Lara, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Halmar-Friesen Racing brings Stewart Friesen and John-Hunter Nemechek. The presence of Cup Series regulars like McDowell and Stenhouse Jr. signifies the importance of this series as a competitive proving ground.
ARCA Menards Series ‘General Tire 200’ Entry List:
While a full entry list for the ARCA Menards Series was not provided in detail, the sheer volume of 50 entries for its season-opener highlights the series’ continued growth and its role in developing the next generation of NASCAR talent. The General Tire 200 is expected to be a fiercely contested race, showcasing emerging drivers and established ARCA regulars.
The extensive entry lists across all four series underscore the immense popularity and competitive depth of NASCAR racing as it embarks on the 2026 season at the historic Daytona International Speedway. The week promises a diverse range of racing action, from the high-octane drama of the Daytona 500 to the intense battles in the Truck and Xfinity Series, and the grassroots competition of the ARCA Menards Series. Fans can expect a thrilling start to the year, filled with speed, strategy, and the enduring spirit of stock car racing.
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