High banks of Daytona await ARCA Menards Series Drivers for 2026 Season-Opener

 

Just like NASCAR’s three premier divisions, the ARCA Menards Series opens every season with a trip to the historic Daytona International Speedway.

 

Daytona has hosted events for the ARCA Menards Series since the 1964 season, with the first checkered flag belonging to Nelson Stacy. Since that day, numerous other notable names have visited Daytona’s Victory Lane in an ARCA Menards Series race, such as Iggy Katona, Jack Bowsher, Benny Parsons, Tim Richmond, Bobby Gerhart and Kyle Busch.

 

The racing at Daytona has changed in numerous regards over the past several decades. Following the introduction of restrictor plates, drafting is now a cornerstone of every ARCA Menards Series Daytona event, which requires drivers to be patient and time out their runs to move toward the front and avoid getting collected in a major accident.

 

Daytona’s prestige has once again attracted a large field of competitors for this year’s race, with 50 cars vying for 40 starting positions. Every driver entered has the same goal in mind: Keep the car in one piece and fight for an opportunity to be immortalized as a Daytona ARCA Menards Series winner.

 

Race day weather for the General Tire 200 looks pretty damn good! It's a sign.@ARCA_Racing @DAYTONA @TeamChevy @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/A60jPhrAGI

— Nolan Wilson Racing (@nolan__wilson) February 8, 2026

 

source: ARCA Racing Media

Comedian Nate Bargatze Named Grand Marshal for 2026 DAYTONA 500

“The Nicest Man in Stand-Up” to help kick off The Great American Race in advance of the theatrical release of his family-friendly comedy “The Breadwinner”

 

Daytona International Speedway today announced that acclaimed comedian, actor, creator and best-selling touring artist Nate Bargatze will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

 

The GRAMMY Award-winning (2026), #1 touring comedian in the world (2024 and 2025) and two-time Saturday Night Live host is now making the jump to the silver screen this spring with his first feature film. He created, co-wrote, produced, and stars in the family-friendly comedy “The Breadwinner” for TriStar Pictures, scheduled to be released theatrically on May 29, 2026. Starring opposite Bargatze is Mandy Moore and an incredible lineup of comedic actors including Colin Jost, Zach Cherry, Martin Herlihy, Kate Berlant, Kumail Nanjiani and Will Forte.

 

“The Breadwinner” is a family comedy that follows the misadventures of Nate Wilcox, whose wife Katie (Moore) lands a once-in-a-lifetime deal on “Shark Tank” that takes her on a prolonged business trip – and now the lifelong breadwinner has to fend for his family as a first-time stay-at-home dad. With three young daughters and little experience handling their day-to-day needs, Nate finds out quickly that running the household is the toughest gig he’s ever had.

 

Widely known as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” Bargatze has become one of America’s most beloved comedic voices, selling out arenas nationwide and earning Grammy recognition. His clever, and wildly relatable storytelling has made him a favorite among fans of all ages-qualities that align perfectly with the excitement, tradition, and national spotlight of the DAYTONA 500.

 

“There is nothing quite like the anticipation of the DAYTONA 500 – the roar, the energy, the sense that something special is about to happen,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “Nate Bargatze’s nationwide popularity, family-friendly humor, and authenticity embody that same spirit with a style that resonates with all. He’ll bring a memorable spark to the command, amplifying the emotion and excitement of one of the biggest moments in motorsports.“

 

Bargatze is a record-breaking and chart-topping comedian both on the stage and screen. His most recent Netflix special, “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze,” is currently the most watched standup special on Netflix in the past 52 weeks. His “Big Dumb Eyes World Tour” set a record for biggest one-year gross by a comedy performer in history and has broken over 40 total arena attendance records.

 

In addition to giving the command to fire up the engines for the DAYTONA 500, Bargatze will also participate in a Fan Q&A session in the Hard Rock Bet Fanzone that morning. Details, including the time of his appearance, will be added to the Daytona International Speedway website when available.

 

5 things to know about 2026 Daytona 500 Grand Marshal Nate Bargatze https://t.co/rRUnYSFAfG

— Daytona Beach News-Journal (@dbnewsjournal) February 5, 2026

Tickets are selling fast for the DAYTONA 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious event. Those wishing to attend in person should act quickly to book their experience for The Great American Race. Premium hospitality opportunities and Hard Rock Bet Fanzone/Pre-Race admissions are also available for purchase.

 

About TriStar Pictures’ The Breadwinner

Directed by Eric Appel. Written by Nate Bargatze & Dan Lagana. Produced by Jeremy Latcham, Nate Bargatze and Dan Lagana. Executive Producers are JoAnn Perritano, Michael Musgrave and Tyler Zacharia. The film stars Nate Bargatze, Mandy Moore, Colin Jost, Zach Cherry, Martin Herlihy, Kate Berlant, with Kumail Nanjiani and Will Forte.

 

 

source: Daytona International Speedway Media

Double The Money: 2026 Daytona 200 Winner To Pocket $50,000

The Points-Paying 2026 Daytona 200 Will Feature A Purse Of $250,000

One of the newest traditions for winners of the Daytona 200 in recent years is participation in the Daytona Champions Program during the DAYTONA 500 weekend.

Daytona International Speedway and MotoAmerica have joined forces to elevate the 2026 Daytona 200 to new heights, making it one of the richest motorcycle races in the event’s storied history. With a total purse of $250,000, a 43 percent increase over last year, the stakes are high, with the winner of the 84th running of the “Great American Motorcycle Race” taking home a $50,000 payday.

 

And the money doesn’t stop at the top as the three who ultimately stand on Victory Lane following the March 7 running of the Daytona 200 will earn $100,000 collectively. In addition to the $50,000 for finishing first, second place will take home $30,000, with the third-place finisher third pocketing $20,000.

 

The purse will pay out to 30th position, with 21st through 30th earning $2500.

 

In addition to the increased purse, the 2026 Daytona 200 will also be the first 200 since 2014 to pay AMA National Championship points, making the already prestigious race even more so.

 

Dunlop has also jumped in to add to the program with MotoAmerica’s spec-tire company to supply MotoAmerica Premier entries with 10 tires per rider. Additionally, the Speedway will pick up the Dunlop tire bill for the first international finisher in the 200.

 

“The Daytona 200 has always been one of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world, and with the increase in purse to $250,000 the importance of the race just took another step forward,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This year our fans will see some of the best racers and teams in the world battling for the $50,000 winner’s check with the additional incentive of earning valuable MotoAmerica championship points. We’re looking forward to an incredible weekend of racing, March 5-7.”

 

In addition, the winner of the 84th running of the Daytona 200 will continue the tradition of receiving the much sought-after Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch.

 

“The Daytona 200 has always held a special place in the history of both Daytona International Speedway and in motorcycle racing as a whole,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “By significantly increasing the purse and the return of AMA National Championship points, we’re making a clear statement about how much this race matters. The Daytona 200 deserves to be a race that rewards excellence, attracts the very best riders in the world, and carries real weight for everyone who lines up on the grid. We’re proud to work with MotoAmerica to continue elevating this iconic event and ensuring it remains a career-defining win for the competitors.”

 

Additional prize money will be handed out pre-race as MotoAmerica has announced that it will host the fifth annual Pit Stop Challenge at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, March 5. The Pit Stop Challenge features the top teams in the Daytona 200 showcasing who has the fastest pit crew.

 

ICONIC FINISH 🏁 @jakelewis85 delivered one of the most memorable moments of his career at @DAYTONA last year, slingshotting from sixth to first to win @MissionFoodsUS Super Hooligan Race 2.#motorsports #motorcycle #daytona #harleydavidson pic.twitter.com/ALTS3r9J4g

— MotoAmerica (@MotoAmerica) February 9, 2026

One of the newest traditions for winners of the Daytona 200 in recent years is participation in the Daytona Champions Program during the DAYTONA 500 weekend. The winners of some of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world across multiple disciplines, including the Rolex 24 At Daytona, DAYTONA Supercross, American Flat Track, and Mission King Of The Baggers, take part in a VIP experience and media opportunities for “The Great American Race.”

 

 

source: Daytona International Speedway Media