What Channel Is the Daytona 500 On Today? TV Schedule, Free Live Stream Options for NASCAR Fans

How to watch the 2026 Daytona 500 for free

The Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest event of the season, returns to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway today — and fans are searching for one thing: what channel is the Daytona 500 on, and how can I watch it live for free?

Here’s everything you need to know, including TV channel, green flag time, streaming platforms, and free trial options.

Read more: Daytona 500 Weather Update: Will Wind and Rain in Florida Delay NASCAR’s 2026

What Channel Is the Daytona 500 On Today?

The 2026 Daytona 500 airs live on FOX Broadcasting Company.

FOX remains the official broadcast partner for NASCAR’s season-opening crown jewel event. Pre-race coverage includes driver introductions, expert analysis, and full grid breakdown.

Daytona 500 TV Schedule (Eastern Time)

• Pre-race coverage: 1:30 p.m. ET

• Green flag (approximate): 2:30 p.m. ET

• Location: Daytona Beach, Florida

Fans should tune in early for national anthem ceremonies, pace laps, and weather updates that could impact race strategy.

How to Live Stream the Daytona 500

If you don’t have cable, you still have several legal streaming options to watch the Daytona 500 live online.

1. Hulu + Live TV

Includes FOX in most markets. Offers a free trial period for eligible new users.

2. YouTube TV

Carries FOX nationwide. Often provides a limited free trial for first-time subscribers.

3. Fubo

Sports-focused streaming service that includes FOX and typically offers a free trial.

4. Sling TV

Available in select markets depending on FOX affiliate coverage.

Most of these services allow streaming on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and web browsers.

Can You Watch the Daytona 500 for Free?

Yes — but legally and temporarily.

Many streaming services listed above offer free trial periods, allowing new users to watch the Daytona 500 without immediate payment. Trial lengths vary, so it’s important to check current eligibility and cancellation terms.

Additionally, if you live in an area where FOX is available over-the-air, you can watch the race free with a digital antenna, no subscription required.

Read more: Can I Watch the 2026 Daytona 500 for Free Today? Legal Streaming, TV Channels

What About International Viewers?

Broadcast rights vary by country. NASCAR’s international TV partners typically carry the Daytona 500 live, but viewers should check local listings for network confirmation.

Weather Could Impact Broadcast Timing

With wind advisories and storm systems moving through Florida this weekend, race timing could shift slightly. FOX will provide live updates if delays occur, including red flags or schedule adjustments.

Fans are encouraged to monitor NASCAR’s official channels and the broadcast ticker for real-time information.

Who's starting on pole in the Daytona 500?

Kyle Busch earned his first Daytona pole in his 21st appearance in the race.

The Richard Childress Racing driver earned the top spot in qualifying by just 0.016 seconds over Joe Gibbs Racing's Chase Briscoe.

2026 Daytona 500 starting lineup

1. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing
2. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing
3. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske
4. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports
5. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske
6. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports
7. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing
8. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports
9. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing
10. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports
11. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club
12. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing
13. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing
14. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing
15. Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports
16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports
17. Casey Mears, No. 66 Garage 66
18. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports
19. Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing
20. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing
21. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports
22. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing
23. Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team
24. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club
25. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports
26. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing
27. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing
28. Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing
29. Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing
30. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports
31. Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Legacy Motor Club
32. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing
33. Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing
34. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing
35. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing
36. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske
37. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing
38. BJ McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports (disqualified due to a failed inspection)
39. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports
40. Justin Allgaier, No. 40 JR Motorsports
41. Chris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing