Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

When is Daytona 500 Qualifying?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 4:13 PM ET

We are days away from watching the NASCAR Cup Series qualify at the Daytona 500. Of course, qualifying at Daytona is a little different than for the rest of the races on the schedule.

There will be a standard, single-car qualifying round, but that is simply to set the front row of the race. The driver with the fastest lap will win the pole, and the second fastest will win the starting position on the front of the outside row.

Following the qualifying round will be the Duel at Daytona. These are two 150-mile races featuring the entire entry list of drivers fighting for their spot in the Daytona 500 lineup. Every position, from 3rd to 41st, this year will be determined this way.

The Duel races also determine which Open entries qualify for the Daytona 500. There is a lot at stake.

Daytona 500 Qualifying, Duel Race Schedule

The sold out crowd of fans in the grandstands look on as NASCAR Cup Series drivers take the field at the green flag to begin the Daytona 500.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The NASCAR Cup Series will lineup for single-car qualifying on Wednesday, February 11, at 8:00 p.m. ET on FS1. After this session, the top two spots in the lineup will be determined. That includes the pole winner.

On Thursday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m. ET on FS1, the first of two Duel races will begin. These races will determine the starting lineup for the rest of the field and will sort out which Open teams qualify for the Great American Race.

With so much anticipation for the 2026 NASCAR season and a new championship format, the Daytona 500 has a chance to take on a level of prestige that has been lacking in recent years. The excitement is brewing.

Hopefully, the weather delays are over after a rough week at Bowman Gray Stadium. Racing has returned, and we have a lot of it to look forward to this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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