2026 Speedweeks

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The 2026 Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth at Daytona International Speedway marks the commencement of the NASCAR season, featuring a series of events that will lead up to the 2026 Daytona 500.

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Background

Daytona International Speedway, the track where Speedweeks took place Daytona International Speedway on the day of the Daytona 500.JPG
Daytona International Speedway, the track where Speedweeks took place

Speedweeks, officially known as "Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth," is an annual series of racing events held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. This event traditionally kicks off the NASCAR season, culminating with the Daytona 500.

Events

Wednesday, February 11

Daytona 500 Practice 1

The first practice session for the 2026 Daytona 500 took place at 10:00 A.M EST. Austin Cindric led the session, clocking a fastest lap of 48.025 seconds at a speed of 187.402 mph (301.594 km/h). [1]

Corey LaJoie, driving for RFK Racing's No. 99 car, was the fastest among the "open" competitors, posting a lap of 48.253 seconds and a speed of 186.517 mph (300.170 km/h). [1]

The session primarily consisted of single-car runs as teams focused on shakedowns in preparation for the upcoming qualifying events. There was limited drafting practice near the end of the session. [2]

Daytona 500 Qualifying

Kyle Busch secured the pole position for the Daytona 500 during Wednesday's single-car qualifying session, clocking a lap time of 49.006 seconds at a speed of 183.651 mph (295.558 km/h). [3]

Joining Busch on the front row is Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing for the second straight year, who posted a lap time of 49.022 seconds and had a speed of 183.587 mph (295.455 km/h). [3]

The "Open" cars locked in is reigning Craftsman Truck Series champion Corey Heim and Justin Allgaier, driving for 23XI Racing and JR Motorsports respectively, secured their spots in the Daytona 500 based on their qualifying speeds. [3]

Thursday, February 12

General Tire 200 Practice

The first and only practice session was held at 4:00 PM, and lasted for 55 minutes. [4]

Jake Finch, driving for Nitro Motorsports, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 48.878, and a speed of 184.132 miles per hour (296.332 km/h). [5]

Fresh From Florida 250 Practice

The first and only practice session was held on Thursday, February 12, at 5:00 PM EST, and lasted for 50 minutes. [6]

Kaden Honeycutt, driving for Tricon Garage, would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap time of 48.439, and a speed of 185.801 miles per hour (299.018 km/h).

References

  1. 1 2 Staff Report (February 12, 2026). "Austin Cindric paces opening Daytona 500 practice". NASCAR . Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  2. ↑ "2026 Daytona 500 Race Page". Jayski's Silly Season Site . Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Staff Report (February 13, 2025). "Busch wins pole for Daytona 500; Briscoe on front row for second straight year". NASCAR . Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Schedule of events: General Tire 200 at Daytona International Speedway". ARCA . December 2, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Practice results: General Tire 200 at Daytona International Speedway". ARCA . February 12, 2026. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  6. ↑ "2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Daytona Race Page". Jayski's Silly Season Site . NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
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