The Daytona Beach area is preparing for a busy start to 2026 with a lineup of motorsports events at the Daytona International Speedway and other local venues. The season will feature sports cars, stock cars, and motorcycles over a three-month period.
The schedule begins with the Roar Before The Rolex 24, a three-day test session for teams ahead of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA Weekend, taking place from January 22-25. This event serves as preparation for drivers and includes two multi-class races under the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
On January 24-25, the 64th edition of the Rolex 24 At Daytona opens the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. This endurance race is described as “the ultimate test of man and machine” and offers fans pre-race grid access, entertainment, autograph sessions, manufacturer displays, and local food through the Taste of the 24 on January 24. Supporting races include the BMW M Endurance Challenge for IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge teams.
Stock car racing becomes central in February with the 68th annual DAYTONA 500 set for February 15. Leading up to this event are several qualifying and support races:
– DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light on February 11
– America 250 Florida Duel at DAYTONA qualifying races on February 12
– Fresh From Florida 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on February 13
– United Rentals 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race & ARCA Menards Series race on February 14
Beyond racing, Bert Kreischer’s inaugural Full Throttle Festival DAYTONA 500 Pre-Party takes place at Ocean Center Convention Complex on February 14. The event features musical acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley alongside country artist ERNEST. Stand-up comedy from Kreischer is also part of the program. Food options will be provided by pitmasters nationwide and drinks available at the Great American Beer Hall.
Motorcycle events wrap up Speed Season during Daytona Beach Bike Week. The DAYTONA Supercross returns on February 28 with a course designed by Ricky Carmichael. Progressive American Flat Track starts its season at Daytona International Speedway’s Flat Track with back-to-back events March 5-6 (DAYTONA Short Track I & II). The historic DAYTONA 200 road course race follows March 5-7.
Additional short-track events are scheduled at New Smyrna Speedway and Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville.
Information about specific racing events can be found at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, volusiaspeedwaypark.com, and www.newmyrnaspeedway.org. For lodging information in Daytona Beach during these events visit www.daytonabeach.com.
Daytona Beach continues to attract visitors not only with its motorsports heritage but also new attractions, upscale accommodations, an arts scene, parks, preserves, and outdoor activities year-round.
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