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

Eiki Koga To Make NASCAR Jr. Late Model Debut

Youngest Japanese Driver With Wilson Motorsports At Madera Speedway

 

Ten-year-old Japanese driver Eiki Koga will make his race debut in the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model  on March 14 at Madera Speedway, supported by Wilson Motorsports, as he begins his journey toward achieving his dream of becoming a NASCAR Cup Series driver.

 

In addition, Eiki has signed as a development driver with Fast Track Racing.

 

Andy Hillenburg, a two-time Daytona winner, will oversee Eiki’s management and guide him on his path to becoming a NASCAR driver.

 

“I’m very excited to take my first step toward becoming a NASCAR driver in the United States with Wilson Motorsports”, stated Eiki. “I would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors for their support with this race opportunity.”

 

“I am also deeply grateful to Mr. Hojo and Mr. Takahashi of Team Blute, who have supported me in every way since I first started kart racing. Thanks to their continued support, I was given this amazing opportunity.” Eiki Koga

 

“Thank you to everyone for believing in me. I’ll give it my best! Eiki Koga

 

I’m excited to make my Junior Late Model debut this spring!! I get to race 8 times at Madera Speedway in California, my schedule is below! Can’t wait for this new opportunity!!😎💪🏻

Madera JLM Schedule:
• March 14th
• April 11th
• May 16th
• June 13th
• July 11th
• August… pic.twitter.com/tBW1HHXwxt

— Brexton Busch (@brextonbusch) January 20, 2026

“We are very excited to announce that Eiki Koga will be driving for Wilson Motorsports in the Junior Late Model division at Madera Speedway. Eiki will be driving alongside his teammate, Brexton Busch. We are looking forward to watching both of our young drivers develop throughout the year.” Team Owner, Charlie Wilson

 

 

source: Takuma Koga Facebook

Ryan Preece Wins the Clash at Bowman Gray

The First #Win is Always the Sweetest!

 

RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece won Wednesday’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, claiming his first win at the NASCAR Cup Series level. This win also marks Ford’s 11th victory in the Clash.

 

Going to be thinking about last night for a long time.🏆 pic.twitter.com/E7MLjbukdj

— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) February 5, 2026

 

“Congratulations to Jack, Brad, Derrick, Ryan, and everyone at RFK Racing on the Clash win at Bowman Gray,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Starting the year with a win gives us great momentum as we head into the 2026 season, and it’s a proud moment for everyone at Roush Yates Engines and Ford Racing.”

 

 

“I don’t even know what to say. It’s been a long road. And it’s the Clash but man, it’s just been years and years of grinding. Just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, all our partners, Jack Roush. Two years ago, I didn’t think I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. Man, I’m just super, super, super emotional. We had a really good car, and I felt like we were fighting adversity all day. Trying to come from the back, we got a lot of good spots. When we were putting rain tires on, man, this is as much of a mental game as anything, and I felt pretty beat up. We had a couple of restarts go our way, and before you know it, you’re in the front two rows. Then the claws just come out. I’m speechless. I’ve got to thank Ford, Ford Racing and everybody there with all the support they give us. As far as emotions go, when you work as hard as I have, I hate talking about it because I hate getting emotional about it, but it’s not just the Clash – winning means everything to me. I’ve put a lot into it,” commented Preece.

 

 

Originally scheduled for Sunday, winter weather pushed the Clash to Wednesday, where it marked the unofficial start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With heat races canceled due to weather, qualifying set the first 20 positions in the field, one provisional spot was awarded based on last season’s points standings, and the final two transfer positions were determined by the Last Chance Qualifier, rounding out the 23-car field.

 

RYAN PREECE IS A CUP SERIES WINNER! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/i4333BX6bL

— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) February 5, 2026

 

source: Roush Yates Media

2026 season preview: Wood Brothers Racing

Josh Berry is a dark horse candidate heading into his third full-time Cup season.

 

Wood Brothers Racing

• Manufacturer: Ford
• Engine: Roush Yates
• Driver-Crew Chief pairing: Josh Berry-Samuel "Miles" Stanley (No. 21)

Team outlook: Wood Brothers Racing enters 2026 with momentum, looking for a third consecutive season with a victory and a second with driver Josh Berry. In just his fifth start with the team, Berry took the iconic No. 21 Ford to Victory Lane at Las Vegas, securing a 2025 playoff berth in the process. And before Harrison Burton's 2024 Daytona victory, which doubled as the organization's 100th at the Cup level, it had been since Ryan Blaney in 2017 that the No. 21 entry had won. The fruits of the family-owned team's labor have paid off, and Wood Brothers Racing is primed for another stout season with Berry behind the wheel.

 

From the short track to the big stage!@joshberry's first career win comes at @LVMotorSpeedway! pic.twitter.com/Vmxm54Zsy8

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 16, 2025

Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford

Experience: Two full-time seasons in NASCAR Cup Series; 84 starts

 

2025 stats: 16th in final Cup Series standings; 1 win, 3 top fives, 8 top 10s, 0 poles, 207 laps led

 

Driver outlook: Berry earned a playoff berth last spring with his first career Cup win at Las Vegas, but his season spiraled upon reaching the 10-race postseason. He finished dead last in all three Round of 16 races, crashing in the first two events and suffering a brake issue in the cutoff race at Bristol. So entering 2026, Berry must certainly be motivated to shed his playoff woes and make a deep run toward the Bill France Cup. He nearly banked a second win later in the 2025 season at New Hampshire, and a seventh-place finish in the finale at Phoenix gives him momentum into the new campaign. Berry's ceiling is extremely high, and at age 35 nearing the prime of his career, he's a dark horse candidate heading into his third full-time Cup season.

 

 

source: Wood Brothers Racing Media

Sioux Chief PowerPEX Plumbing Products to sponsor ARCA Menards Series pole award in 2026

 

Sioux Chief Manufacturing, one of America’s leading manufacturers of rough plumbing products, will sponsor the pole award across the ARCA Menards Series platform in 2026.

 

Naming rights for the pole award, now known as the Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Award, is the latest evolution of the relationship between Sioux Chief and the ARCA Menards Series that is now in its second decade.

 

“We’re proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the ARCA Menards Series by sponsoring the Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Award,” said Joe Ismert, President of Sioux Chief Manufacturing. “Performance, precision, and reliability are at the core of everything we do, and those same qualities define what it takes to earn the pole in racing. This partnership is a perfect way to celebrate excellence and American-made innovation.”

 

“There are two things every driver wants to do every week, and that’s win the pole and win the race,” said ARCA president Ron Drager. “Sioux Chief has been a great partner of the ARCA Menards Series for over a decade and we’re thrilled that every pole winner in 2026 will receive the Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Award flag throughout the season.”

 

The ARCA Menards Series season lifts off with the General Tire 200 on Saturday, February 14. Practice is slated for Thursday, Feb. 12, and the first Sioux Chief PowerPEX Pole Qualifying session of the season is set for Friday, Feb. 13.

 

The race will be televised live on FOX starting at Noon ET. It will also be broadcast on select affiliates of the MRN Radio network nationwide and on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Live timing & scoring data from all on-track activity will be available at ARCARacing.com; follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly Twitter) for up-to-the-minute updates.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Daytona International Speedway Dignitaries

Kurt Russell (Pace Car Driver) Miranda Lambert (Pre-Race Show); Air Force Thunderbirds (Flyover)

Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Below are a few of the event dignitaries.

 

From Hollywood to Horsepower: Acclaimed Actor Kurt Russell Named Honorary Pace Car Driver

 

Hollywood horsepower will help lead the field to green for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500 as Daytona International Speedway announced today that acclaimed actor Kurt Russell will serve as the honorary pace car driver on Sunday, Feb. 15.

 

Russell brings a multi-generational storytelling legacy to The Great American Race ahead of the highly anticipated season two premiere of his hit Apple TV series, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” set to make its global debut on Friday, Feb. 27.

 

“The DAYTONA 500 has always been bigger than a race. It’s a global event that blends competition, spectacle, and culture,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “Kurt Russell’s impact in entertainment mirrors what makes The Great American Race special – moments that endure long after the checkered flag.”

 

Kurt Russell is one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in American film, with a career spanning more than five decades. From early Disney roles to iconic performances in films such as “Tombstone,” “Miracle”, and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” His work across action, drama, and comedy has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted global following.

 

“It’s incredibly exciting to be named the honorary pace car driver for this year’s Daytona 500,” Russell shared. “I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in a race car.”

 

Three-Time GRAMMY-Award Winning Country Music Superstar Miranda Lambert to Perform DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show

 

Three-time GRAMMY-award winning country music superstar Miranda Lambert is set to perform the DAYTONA 500 pre-race concert. The most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history is set to kickstart the festivities prior to the 68th running of The Great American Race.

 

“To have this level of talent with an artist such as Miranda Lambert performing our pre-race concert adds an incredible amount of energy for the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500,” said Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “Her powerhouse vocals and passion for music are the perfect mix to represent the prestige of this event. Get ready for the thunder of country music before we wave the green flag and engines roar to kick off the 2026 season!”

 

Lambert’s generational career in the country music scene has spanned over 20 years, with her first chart-topping studio album Kerosene released in 2005. She has since released nine additional solo albums, plus collaborative projects as part of the Pistol Annies as well as GRAMMY-nominated album The Marfa Tapes together with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram.

 

We already don't wanna go home 🎶

Welcome to The Great American Race, @mirandalambert! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/XYbqQEAKXG

— Daytona International Speedway (@DAYTONA) January 11, 2026

United States Air Force Thunderbirds Back with High Flying Thrills for 2026 DAYTONA 500

 

The United States Air Force Thunderbirds are back with high flying thrills for the 2026 DAYTONA 500, showcasing the power, speed, and technique of F-16 fighter jets. The iconic Thunderbirds flyover tradition will once again be an extravagant spectacle before the deep rumble of stock car engines roar throughout The World Center of Racing ahead of NASCAR’s season opener – the DAYTONA 500.

 

This will be the 16th consecutive year and 17th overall that the Thunderbirds will perform a flyover ahead of The Great American Race at Daytona International Speedway.

 

“The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover is one of the best traditions in all of sports and never fails to give you full body chills,” said Frank Kelleher, Daytona International Speedway President. “It’s an honor to have them represent The Great American Race every year and their performance will fill the venue with pure American energy before we watch the green flag fly in the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500.”

 

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds,” also known as “America’s Team,” will perform their signature “Delta” formation just before the green flag drops for the 2026 DAYTONA 500.

 

🏁Ladies and gentlemen... START, YOUR, ENGINES🏁

This morning we opened up the #Daytona 500 for the 15th consecutive year in a row to kickstart the 67th annual Great American Race! Best of luck to all the drivers out there!#NASCAR#Thunderbirds#AmericasTeam#NoPressureNo💎 pic.twitter.com/UW1mqJr0nb

— Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) February 16, 2025

 

source: Daytona International Speedway Media

NASCAR TV Schedule For Monday’s Clash

UPDATE: The Clash has now been postponed until Wednesday!

EVENT UPDATE: Due to the impacts of historic winter weather across the North Carolina region, the #CookOutClash has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Feb. 4.

NASCAR is continuing to work closely with the City of Winston-Salem and NC Department of Transportation. We appreciate your… pic.twitter.com/ONUweT1ZTL

— Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (@nascarclash) February 1, 2026

The Cup Series Returns for the 2026 Clash at Bowman Gray

 

The NASCAR Clash (officially the Cook Out Clash) is an annual preseason exhibition event for the NASCAR Cup Series that serves as a non-points, high-stakes kickoff to the racing season.

 

Unfortunately for fans and driver’s alike, snow and dangerously cold temperatures in North Carolina on Saturday forced NASCAR to move the Clash back to Monday.

 

NASCAR on TV

Monday, Feb. 2

• 11 a.m. - Practice and Qualifying (FS2)
• 4:30 p.m. - Last Chance Qualifier (FOX)
• 6 - The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (FOX)

You have been warned. pic.twitter.com/hSsAm1hYyZ

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 30, 2026

NASCAR Clash Entry List

1. Ross Chastain --- Trackhouse Racing
2. Austin Cindric --- Team Penske
3. Austin Dillon --- Richard Childress Racing
4. Noah Gragson --- Front Row Motorsports
5. Kyle Larson --- Hendrick Motorsports
6. Corey LaJoie --- RFK Racing
7. Daniel Suárez --- Spire Motorsports
8. Kyle Busch --- Richard Childress Racing
9. Chase Elliott --- Hendrick Motorsports
10. Ty Dillon --- Kaulig Racing
11. Denny Hamlin --- Joe Gibbs Racing
12. Ryan Blaney --- Team Penske
13. AJ Allmendinger --- Kaulig Racing
14. Chris Buescher --- RFK Racing
15. Chase Briscoe --- Joe Gibbs Racing
16. Christopher Bell --- Joe Gibbs Racing
17. Josh Berry --- Wood Brothers Racing
18. Joey Logano --- Team Penske
19. Bubba Wallace --- 23XI Racing
20. William Byron --- Hendrick Motorsports
21. Todd Gilliland --- Front Row Motorsports
22. Riley Herbst --- 23XI Racing
23. Zane Smith --- Front Row Motorsports
24. Cole Custer --- Haas Factory Team
25. John Hunter Nemechek --- Legacy Motor Club
26. Erik Jones --- Legacy Motor Club
27. Tyler Reddick --- 23XI Racing
28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr --- Hyak Motorsports
29. Alex Bowman --- Hendrick Motorsports
30. Burt Myers --- Team AmeriVet
31. Cody Ware --- Rick Ware Racing
32. Ty Gibbs --- Joe Gibbs Racing
33. Ryan Preece --- RFK Racing
34. Chad Finchum --- Garage 66
35. Michael McDowell --- Spire Motorsports
36. Carson Hocevar --- Spire Motorsports
37. Connor Zilisch --- Trackhouse Racing
38. Shane Van Gisbergen --- Trackhouse Racing

 

source: Hendrick Motorsports Media