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Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 NASCAR Duels
The excitement around the 2026 Daytona 500 is building as drivers prepare for the crucial NASCAR Duels set to take place on Thursday night. These races are integral for determining the starting positions for the highly anticipated Daytona 500, often referred to as “The Great American Race.”
What Are the NASCAR Duels?
The NASCAR Duels are two separate qualifying races that take place at Daytona International Speedway. Each race plays a critical role in setting the lineup for the Daytona 500, determining positions from third to 40th in the final race. The stakes are high, as drivers not only compete for starting spots but also for valuable points that contribute to their season standings.
When to Watch the NASCAR Duels
The NASCAR Duels will take place on February 12, 2026. Duel 1 is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and Duel 2 will follow at approximately 8:45 p.m. ET.
Fans can catch all the action on FS1, with streaming options available on platforms like Fubo.
How Qualifying Works
This year, single-car qualifying was held prior to the Duels, where drivers raced against the clock on the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Kyle Busch captured the coveted pole position, recording the fastest time—a remarkable achievement as this marks his first pole at Daytona 500. Chase Briscoe secured the second spot in this essential pre-race qualification.
Following the single-car qualifying, drivers were sorted into the Duels based on their finishing positions: those who finished odd-numbered slots raced in Duel 1, while those in even-numbered slots competed in Duel 2.
Lineup for the Duels
The following are the lineups for each of the Duels:
Duel 1 Lineup
- Kyle Busch – No. 8 Chevrolet
- Ryan Preece – No. 60 Ford
- Corey Heim – No. 67 Toyota
- Alex Bowman – No. 48 Chevrolet
- Chris Buescher – No. 17 Ford
- Joey Logano – No. 22 Ford
- Austin Dillon – No. 3 Chevrolet
- Corey LaJoie – No. 99 Ford
- John Hunter Nemechek – No. 42 Toyota
- Brad Keselowski – No. 6 Ford
- Ryan Blaney – No. 12 Ford
- William Byron – No. 24 Chevrolet
- Cole Custer – No. 41 Chevrolet
- Cody Ware – No. 51 Chevrolet
- Jimmie Johnson – No. 84 Toyota
- Bubba Wallace – No. 23 Toyota
- AJ Allmendinger – No. 16 Chevrolet
- Ross Chastain – No. 1 Chevrolet
- Shane van Gisbergen – No. 97 Chevrolet
- Daniel Suarez – No. 7 Chevrolet
- Chandler Smith – No. 36 Ford
- Casey Mears – No. 66 Ford
- Noah Gragson – No. 4 Ford
Duel 2 Lineup
- Chase Briscoe – No. 19 Toyota
- Denny Hamlin – No. 11 Toyota
- Kyle Larson – No. 5 Chevrolet
- Chase Elliott – No. 9 Chevrolet
- Ty Gibbs – No. 54 Toyota
- Christopher Bell – No. 20 Toyota
- Justin Allgaier – No. 40 Chevrolet
- Austin Cindric – No. 2 Ford
- Zane Smith – No. 38 Ford
- Michael McDowell – No. 71 Chevrolet
- Connor Zilisch – No. 88 Chevrolet
- Erik Jones – No. 43 Toyota
- Josh Berry – No. 21 Ford
- Carson Hocevar – No. 77 Chevrolet
- Riley Herbst – No. 35 Toyota
- Todd Gilliland – No. 34 Ford
- Anthony Alfredo – No. 62 Chevrolet
- Ty Dillon – No. 10 Chevrolet
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – No. 47 Chevrolet
- Tyler Reddick – No. 45 Toyota
- BJ McLeod – No. 78 Chevrolet
- J.J. Yeley – No. 44 Chevrolet
As fans await the thrilling races, the atmosphere around the Daytona International Speedway is electric. With strong showings in the Duels, drivers will not only aim to secure preferred starting spots for the Daytona 500 but also significant points for the upcoming NASCAR season. The Duels are a vital turning point, setting the stage for an unforgettable NASCAR 2026 season.
FAQ About NASCAR Duels
What are the NASCAR Duels?
The NASCAR Duels are two qualifying races that determine the starting order for the Daytona 500, impacting the lineup for the main event.
When are the NASCAR Duels scheduled for the 2026 season?
The NASCAR Duels will take place on February 12, 2026, at Daytona International Speedway, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
How can I watch the NASCAR Duels?
You can watch the NASCAR Duels live on FS1, with streaming options available through services like Fubo.
Who are the top drivers in the Duels?
The lineups include top contenders like Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, and Denny Hamlin, with each aiming for favorable starting positions for the Daytona 500.
What is the significance of points awarded in the Duels?
Points awarded in the Duels contribute towards the driver’s standings in the regular season, making them crucial for championship aspirations.
