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.”
