Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe Secure Front Row for the 2026 Daytona 500 as Full Starting Grid is Set

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Kyle Busch, piloting the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, will lead the field to the green flag for the highly anticipated 2026 Daytona 500. He secured the coveted pole position following a dominant qualifying performance on Wednesday. Joining Busch on the front row for "The Great American Race" is Chase Briscoe in the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, who also demonstrated significant speed during qualifying.

The completion of Thursday’s Duel qualifying races has now finalized the starting grid for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, the opening event of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The twin 60-lap qualifying races, known for their intense competition and impact on the final starting order, saw victories from seasoned veterans Joey Logano and Chase Elliott. Logano, in the No. 22 Team Penske Ford, claimed the win in the first Duel, while Elliott, driving the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, triumphed in the second.

While 41 drivers have successfully locked in their spots for Sunday’s main event, four have failed to qualify. Corey LaJoie in the No. 99 RFK Racing Ford, Anthony Alfredo in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet (who was disqualified), JJ Yeley in the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, and Chandler Smith in the No. 36 Front Row Motorsports Ford will not be competing in this year’s Daytona 500. The field, now set, represents a diverse mix of established champions, rising stars, and seasoned competitors, all vying for the prestige of winning NASCAR’s premier event.

The Full Starting Grid for the 2026 Daytona 500:

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1. Kyle Busch — No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

   • Background: A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (2015, 2019) and a two-time Daytona 500 winner (2018, 2020), Busch brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record at Daytona International Speedway. His career statistics include over 60 Cup Series victories, making him a perennial contender in any race he enters. His pole position signifies a strong start for Richard Childress Racing as they aim for a historic victory.

2. Chase Briscoe — No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

   • Background: Briscoe, a rising talent in the Cup Series, has shown consistent improvement since his debut. His qualifying run demonstrates the strength of Joe Gibbs Racing’s program and their preparedness for the superspeedway challenge. His presence on the front row sets a competitive tone for his team.

3. Joey Logano — No. 22 Team Penske Ford

   • Background: The 2018 Daytona 500 champion and two-time Cup Series champion (2018, 2022), Logano’s victory in Duel #1 underscores his mastery of restrictor-plate racing. He is known for his strategic prowess and ability to navigate the chaotic pack at Daytona. Team Penske, a dominant force in NASCAR, will be looking to Logano to lead their charge.

4. Chase Elliott — No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

   • Background: The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Elliott is a fan favorite and a consistent threat at Daytona. His win in Duel #2, achieved in a caution-free race, highlights his car’s speed and his skill in managing the race. Hendrick Motorsports, the most decorated team in NASCAR history, will be counting on Elliott to contend for the win.

5. Ryan Blaney — No. 12 Team Penske Ford

   • Background: The reigning 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Blaney is a strong superspeedway competitor. His performance in the Duels and qualifying positions him as a significant contender. His partnership with Logano at Team Penske creates a formidable front for the manufacturer.

6. Carson Hocevar — No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

   • Background: A promising young driver, Hocevar has quickly made a name for himself in NASCAR. His qualifying performance signifies Spire Motorsports’ growing competitiveness and their potential to challenge established teams.

7. Austin Dillon — No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

   • Background: A former Daytona 500 winner (2018), Dillon brings experience and a winning pedigree to the No. 3 entry. His presence in the top 10 indicates RCR’s strong presence at the front of the field.

8. Kyle Larson — No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

   • Background: The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Larson is renowned for his versatility across various disciplines of racing. His ability to adapt to the drafting dynamics of Daytona makes him a constant threat, even when starting further back than usual for a driver of his caliber.

9. Brad Keselowski — No. 6 RFK Racing Ford

   • Background: A 2012 Cup Series champion and a former Daytona 500 winner (2016), Keselowski is a veteran known for his aggressive style and strategic thinking. His position indicates RFK Racing’s continued resurgence in the Cup Series.

10. Michael McDowell — No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

    • Background: A past Daytona 500 winner (2021), McDowell is a master of superspeedway racing. His consistent performance and ability to stay out of trouble make him a dangerous dark horse in this event.

11. John-Hunter Nemechek — No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

    • Background: Nemechek is part of a new wave of talent looking to make their mark in the Cup Series. His qualifying effort for Legacy Motor Club signals the team’s progress.

12. Christopher Bell — No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

    • Background: A formidable competitor on all track types, Bell’s ability to navigate the Daytona pack makes him a serious contender. Joe Gibbs Racing’s depth is evident with multiple cars starting in the top half of the field.

13. Shane van Gisbergen — No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

    • Background: The Supercars champion from New Zealand continues to adapt to NASCAR. His qualifying success indicates his rapid learning curve and potential for strong runs on superspeedways.

14. Josh Berry — No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford

    • Background: Berry, a celebrated driver in the Xfinity Series, makes his mark in the Daytona 500. His performance is a testament to the Wood Brothers Racing team’s efforts.

15. Daniel Suarez — No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet (Backup car)

    • Background: Suarez, the 2016 Xfinity Series champion, brings a championship pedigree. His starting position reflects a solid qualifying run for Spire Motorsports.

16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. — No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet

    • Background: A former Daytona 500 winner (2020), Stenhouse Jr. is always a threat at Daytona. His performance indicates Hyak Motorsports’ continued presence in the top tier of NASCAR competition.

17. Casey Mears — No. 66 Garage 66 Ford

    • Background: A veteran driver with extensive superspeedway experience, Mears’ inclusion in the field is a significant achievement for the Garage 66 team, highlighting their ability to compete at this level.

18. Todd Gilliland — No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

    • Background: Gilliland represents the next generation of talent emerging from Front Row Motorsports, a team known for its superspeedway prowess.

19. Ryan Preece — No. 60 RFK Racing Ford

    • Background: Preece, a skilled driver with a background in diverse motorsports, adds another strong contender for RFK Racing, reinforcing their presence in the field.

20. Ty Gibbs — No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

    • Background: Gibbs, the grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, continues to build his NASCAR career. His starting position reflects the depth of talent within the Joe Gibbs Racing organization.

21. Alex Bowman — No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

    • Background: A former Daytona 500 winner (2018), Bowman is a consistent contender at Daytona. His starting position indicates Hendrick Motorsports’ strong overall performance.

22. Denny Hamlin — No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

    • Background: With three Daytona 500 victories (2016, 2019, 2020), Hamlin is arguably the most successful active driver at Daytona. Despite starting further back than his historical performance might suggest, his racecraft makes him a perennial favorite.

23. Cole Custer — No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet

    • Background: Custer, the 2020 Cup Series Rookie of the Year, has proven his capability on various track types. His starting position for Haas Factory Team is a positive indicator for the team.

24. Erik Jones — No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

    • Background: Jones, a former winner at Daytona (2018), brings significant superspeedway experience. His performance is key for Legacy Motor Club as they aim for a strong season opener.

25. Noah Gragson — No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford

    • Background: Gragson’s qualifying lap was initially disallowed due to a rule infraction, but he has since secured a starting position through his Duel performance. His resilience and the support of Front Row Motorsports make him a driver to watch.

26. Tyler Reddick — No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota

    • Background: Reddick, a skilled road course racer who has adapted remarkably well to oval racing, is known for his late-race speed. His starting position is a testament to 23XI Racing’s efforts.

27. Bubba Wallace — No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota

    • Background: Wallace has consistently shown speed at Daytona and has achieved strong finishes in the past. His performance is a focal point for 23XI Racing as they aim for their first Daytona 500 victory.

28. Riley Herbst — No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota

    • Background: Herbst continues to expand his Cup Series experience, and his starting position for 23XI Racing indicates progress for the team.

29. Corey Heim — No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota

    • Background: Heim, a highly touted prospect from the ARCA Menards Series, makes his Daytona 500 debut. His inclusion signifies 23XI Racing’s commitment to developing young talent.

30. Zane Smith — No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

    • Background: Smith, a champion in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, is making his mark in the Cup Series. His performance at Daytona will be closely watched.

31. Jimmie Johnson — No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

    • Background: A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Johnson’s return to full-time competition at Legacy Motor Club is a significant storyline. His vast experience at Daytona makes him a contender, regardless of starting position.

32. Connor Zilisch — No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

    • Background: Zilisch, another promising young driver with a background in karting and late models, is making his Cup Series debut. His presence highlights Trackhouse Racing’s investment in emerging talent.

33. Cody Ware — No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

    • Background: Ware, a fixture in the Cup Series, returns to the Daytona 500. His participation underscores the continued efforts of Rick Ware Racing to compete.

34. Ty Dillon — No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

    • Background: Dillon, a seasoned competitor, brings experience to the Kaulig Racing lineup, aiming to improve on recent performances.

35. AJ Allmendinger — No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

    • Background: A veteran driver with a celebrated career in various disciplines, Allmendinger is a formidable superspeedway racer known for his ability to stay in contention.

36. Austin Cindric — No. 2 Team Penske Ford

    • Background: The 2022 Daytona 500 champion, Cindric is a proven superspeedway threat. His starting position for Team Penske positions him to contend for a second victory.

37. Ross Chastain — No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet (Backup car)

    • Background: Chastain, known for his aggressive driving style and his "Hail Melon" maneuver, is a strong contender at Daytona. His ability to navigate the pack and his team’s preparation make him a constant threat.

38. BJ McLeod — No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet

    • Background: McLeod represents Live Fast Motorsports, a team focused on growth and competitiveness in the Cup Series.

39. William Byron — No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (Backup car)

    • Background: The reigning 2024 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Byron is a proven winner and a formidable competitor. His starting position, even with a backup car, indicates the strength of Hendrick Motorsports.

40. Justin Allgaier — No. 40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

    • Background: A highly successful driver in the Xfinity Series, Allgaier’s entry in the Daytona 500 adds significant depth and excitement, representing the continued strong connection between JR Motorsports and the Cup Series.

41. Chris Buescher — No. 17 RFK Racing Ford (Backup car)

    • Background: Buescher, a consistent performer for RFK Racing, has demonstrated his ability to run well in restrictor plate races. His starting position, even with a backup car, signifies his team’s commitment to a strong showing.

The stage is now set for the 2026 Daytona 500, promising an electrifying season opener with a blend of experienced champions and hungry newcomers ready to battle for supremacy on the iconic superspeedway.

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