Nascar news

• Tony Stewart returns to NASCAR in Ram Truck debut at Daytona International Raceway

  13-01-2026 17:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tony Stewart will return to NASCAR competition for the first time since 2016 when he drives for Kaulig Racing in the debut of the Ram Truck at next month's season-opening race at Daytona International Raceway.Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame inductee, last raced a truck in 2005 at NASCAR's national level. He drives for Dodge in the NHRA drag racing series and racing for Kaulig as it brings Ram trucks back into NASCAR was a perfect re-entry for t
  
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• Official starting lineup for 68th Daytona 500

  13-02-2026 20:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  Unlike the NFL, NASCAR kicks off it season with the Super Bowl of stock car racing. On Feb. 15, the best drivers in the sport will take to Daytona International Speedway for the 68th Daytona 500. A driver who has won many races but not this one, Kyle Busch, will lead the field to the green flag. There will be 41 cars in the race with Chris Buescher and his No. 17 RFK Racing Ford starting all the way in the back. A look at the entire starting lineup:41. Chris Buescher40. Justin Allgaier39. Willia
  
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• A battered car forces William Byron into a backup for his Daytona 500 three-peat bid

  13-02-2026 19:39 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — William Byron will try to drive his way into NASCAR history Sunday when he attempts to become the first winner of three consecutive Daytona 500s.He'll have to do it in a backup Chevrolet after his preferred No. 24 was damaged in a qualifying race at Daytona International Speedway. No big deal, though: Byron won his first Daytona 500 in 2024 in a Hendrick Motorsports backup car.“We’ve won this race with a backup car, so I’m not super worried on t
  
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• Hendrick would have signed Kyle Larson to lifetime deal if he could

  13-02-2026 18:11 via sports.yahoo.com
  Motorsport photoThe last time Hendrick Motorsports had a tandem like Kyle Larson and Cliff Daniels, the driver (Jeff Gordon) was signed to a lifetime contract and the crew chief (Ray Evernham) left to form a factory team for Dodge.Rick Hendrick was very adamant, with the two-time champions both on a contract year, to not lose his latest dynasty to any sort of free agency or market shift.“Well, it was expensive,” Hendrick said with a laugh. But no, I wanted these guys in place and I d
  
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• Three-time NASCAR champion warns Daytona 500 could be a 'wreckfest'

  13-02-2026 17:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is only days away from its crown-jewel season opener, as 41 drivers will fight for eternal glory on Sunday in the Daytona 500. The style of racing at Daytona has constantly changed over the years, and in recent Daytona 500s some fans have bemoaned the lack of action as many drivers opt for a conservative, fuel-saving strategy. After Thursday's Duels, however, three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano predicts we could see a "wreckfest" in the Great American Rac
  
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• What to Watch: Prestige, history for the taking in Daytona 500

  13-02-2026 14:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  Track: Daytona International Speedway
  Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
  Track length: 2.5 miles
  When: 2:30 p.m. ET
  Where to tune in: FOX, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90
  Race purse: $31,045,575
  Race distance: 200 laps | 500 miles
  Stages: 65 | 130 | 200
  Sunday’s starting lineup: Kyle Busch to lead the field to green | See full lineupA new season dawns, with history on the lineThe official start of the NASCAR season has had a magic formula that’s seemingly tamper-pr
  
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• NASCAR names POET Official Bioethanol Partner, becomes first major motorsports series to utilize zero-carbon bioethanol

  13-02-2026 14:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR today announced a landmark partnership with POET, the world‘s largest producer of biofuels, naming the company the Official Bioethanol Partner of NASCAR. As part of the agreement, NASCAR will become the first major motorsports series to utilize zero-carbon bioethanol in combination with its existing fuel partner Sunoco, reinforcing the sport‘s commitment to innovation, performance and healthy environments in accordance with its NASCAR IMPACT goals.T
  
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• Daytona 500 to air in more than 185 countries and territories in 23 languages

  13-02-2026 12:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  The 68th running of the Daytona 500 (Sun., 2:30 pm. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) will be broadcast to fans in more than 185 countries and territories in 23 languages, reaching over 550 million households worldwide. “The Daytona 500 serves as a powerful global launch point for the entire NASCAR season,” said Nick Skipper, NASCAR Managing Director, Media Strategy. “Through strategic partnerships with leading broadcasters and platforms a
  
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• Cleetus McFarland, YouTube star, makes NASCAR Truck Series debut at Daytona

  13-02-2026 12:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  Cleetus McFarland has become a popular auto-racing personality thanks to his YouTube videos, which showcase his creative thinking as he builds a variety of vehicles.McFarland also performs stunts, burnouts, and races his cars in unique ways, which has led to his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 13 and his return to the ARCA Menards Series race there on Feb. 14.McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, will drive the No. 4 Chevrolet t
  
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• NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule 2026: Dates, times, TV channels, live streams, winners for every race

  13-02-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule 2026: Dates, times, TV channels, live streams, winners for every race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.One of the most noticeable changes for the 2026 racing season is right in the name of NASCAR's second-tier series. After 11 seasons as the Xfinity Series, the circuit is now known as the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Fear not, though — while the branding is different, race f
  
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• Chase Elliott Is “Cautiously Enjoying” His Duel Victory at Daytona Ahead of Sunday’s Main Event

  13-02-2026 11:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesChase Elliott added another Duel win to his shelf, driving his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to victory at Daytona without a single caution. He took the lead on Lap 53 and held off Carson Hocevar by 0.065 seconds to claim his third Duel triumph.The win placed Elliott among an exclusive group of thre
  
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• Fantasy Fastlane: Superspeedway stalwarts prevalent for Daytona 500

  13-02-2026 11:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  Editor’s Note: Keep tabs on this page for lineup advice following qualifying, including changes you should consider.And just like that, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is upon us. The 68th running of the “Great American Race” is days away on Sunday (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN Radio, HBO Max, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). William Byron is looking to carve his name among the greatest drivers to ever compete in the Daytona 500, should he score a third straight victory. The usual superspeedway ac
  
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• Daytona 500 starting lineup: Full running order for NASCAR's biggest race

  13-02-2026 11:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  Kyle Busch earned his first Daytona 500 pole in his 21st attempt in the Super Bowl of stock car racing Wednesday night. The Richard Childress Racing driver earned the top spot in qualifying by just 0.016 seconds over Joe Gibbs Racing's Chase Briscoe.Busch had the fastest time of qualifying overall in his first run with a 48.933. He was the only driver to break 49 seconds at all during qualifying; his eventual pole lap came in at a 49.006.Daytona 500 weather forecast: Rain has potential to impact
  
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• 2026 Daytona 500 starting grid: Full lineup for NASCAR's biggest race

  13-02-2026 11:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  Kyle Busch earned his first Daytona 500 pole in his 21st attempt in the Super Bowl of stock car racing Wednesday night. The Richard Childress Racing driver earned the top spot in qualifying by just 0.016 seconds over Joe Gibbs Racing's Chase Briscoe.Busch had the fastest time of qualifying overall in his first run with a 48.933. He was the only driver to break 49 seconds at all during qualifying; his eventual pole lap came in at a 49.006.Daytona 500 weather forecast: Rain has potential to impact
  
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• Inside Denny Hamlin's emotional return to Daytona 500 after dad death

  13-02-2026 11:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH — Going through the assembly line-type exercise of meeting with waves of media. Getting the right fit for the seat in his No. 11 Toyota. Testing, understanding and re-familiarizing the nuances of superspeedway braking. And simply shifting through the gears during the opening practice session.By bits and pieces, Denny Hamlin is starting to feel like himself again. Ready to win a fourth Daytona 500. Ready to finally claim the elusive NASCAR season championship. Ready to remain
  
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• After legal win, dad's death, Denny Hamlin sets sight on first title

  13-02-2026 11:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH — Going through the assembly line-type exercise of meeting with waves of media. Getting the right fit for the seat in his No. 11 Toyota. Testing, understanding and re-familiarizing the nuances of superspeedway braking. And simply shifting through the gears during the opening practice session.By bits and pieces, Denny Hamlin is starting to feel like himself again. Ready to win a fourth Daytona 500. Ready to finally claim the elusive NASCAR season championship. Ready to remain
  
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• Driving Empire brings official 2026 NASCAR season to Roblox with Daytona 500 update

  13-02-2026 11:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR, in partnership with Voldex, are bringing brand new updates to Driving Empire on Roblox around the “Great American Race” with the launch of its highly anticipated 2026 NASCAR updates, including NASCAR Craftsman Trucks, a new Chevrolet Cup Car, official 2026 team liveries and a brand-new Daytona International Speedway map. Timed with the kickoff of the NASCAR season, the update delivers an exciting new experience in Roblox‘s largest drivin
  
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• Bubba Wallace Wants to Disrupt Rick Hendrick, Joe Gibbs, and Roger Penske’s NASCAR Dominance

  13-02-2026 11:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesFor Bubba Wallace, fatherhood seems to have flipped a switch. The arrival of his son, Beck, in 2024 has helped him keep a steadier hand on the wheel and his eyes firmly on the big prize. Last season, he broke through at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ending a 100-race win drought by leadi
  
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• Richard Childress Supports NASCAR Going to the Chase Format, but Not Because He Disliked the Playoffs

  13-02-2026 10:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series team owner Richard Childress during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season begins this weekend with the Daytona 500, and one very exciting change, or rather a reintroduction, to look forward to is the return of the Chase format. After eleven long years, it will once again be the system that decides the champion.This move has been met with
  
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• Tony Stewart returns to NASCAR for Friday Truck race at Daytona: 'I'm as surprised as all of you are'

  13-02-2026 10:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — For the first time since November 2016, Tony Stewart is a NASCAR driver.The NASCAR Hall of Famer is strapping into the No. 25 Kaulig Racing Ram for Friday’s Fresh From Florida 250 (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1, NRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), the season-opening race for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Daytona International Speedway.MORE: Speedweeks schedule | 2026 Craftsman Truck Series scheduleA three-time Cup Series champion with 62 NASCAR national series wins on
  
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• Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott Insist A Daytona 500 Win Won’t Make or Break Their NASCAR Careers

  13-02-2026 10:30 via sports.yahoo.com
  Kyle Larson (L) and Chase Elliott (R) | Credits- USA Today Network, ImagnAll drivers in NASCAR dream of winning the Daytona 500, but only some can realistically contend for it each year. For those who enjoy glittering careers without this elusive trophy in their cabinets, the prize becomes even more alluring, and Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott are two such drivers.Larson and Elliotthave made 12 and 10 starts in the Daytona 500 respectively, but have yet to park their cars in Victory Lane.Ahead of
  
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• Anthony Alfredo’s Daytona 500 Hopes End in Heartbreak After NASCAR Ruling

  13-02-2026 08:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Anthony Alfredo (62) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. | Credits- Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesAnthony Alfredo experienced the highest of thrills and the harshest of disappointments in a very short span after the second Daytona Duels qualifying race on Thursday. He finished the race in 18th place and secured his spot in the coveted Daytona 500. Or, so he thought.It wasn’t long before the n
  
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• Duel shows why anything is possible in the Daytona 500

  13-02-2026 07:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  Motorsport photoJust like everyone predicted, BJ McCleod Motorsports and Garage66 made it into the Daytona 500 over cars fielded by RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports and a Richard Childress Racing affiliate.In the words of Casey Mears, driving the Garage66 for Carl Long, anything can happen at Daytona.It’s the reason McLeod and Mears signed up to drive figurative knives to a figurative gunfight. When everyone is in the draft, with the potential of missing a 20-car melee, there’s a no
  
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• Official Starting Lineup For the 2026 Daytona 500

  13-02-2026 06:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  After Thursday night's America 250 Duels at Daytona, the starting lineup is officially set for Sunday's Daytona 500. | Ricky Martinez | Racing America On SIDAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- On Wednesday evening, Kyle Busch scored the pole position for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, as he topped Chase Briscoe for his first-career Daytona 500 pole.Fast forward to Thursday night, and at the conclusion of the pair of America 250 Duel qualifier races, which were won
  
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• Anthony Alfredo won't race in Daytona 500 after post-Duels inspection failure, DQ

  13-02-2026 05:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  Anthony Alfredo's No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race inspection after the Daytona 500 Duels, and Alfredo will not race in the Daytona 500.NASCAR made the announcement following the duel qualifying races on Feb. 12.Alfredo drove to an 18th-place finish in the second Daytona Duel race, initially making the Daytona 500 as the highest-finishing open entry.But a cooler hose was found not connected on Alfredo's car during post-race inspection, Cup Series director Brad Moran said.BJ Mc
  
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• Elliott Claims Duel 2 Win; McLeod Makes Daytona 500 After Alfredo DQ

  13-02-2026 05:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  Chase Elliott was victorious in Thursday's America 250 Duel No. 2 at Daytona International Speedway. | Ricky Martinez | Racing America On SIDAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- In a race that couldn't have been any more different from the opening America 250 Duel of the night on Thursday, the second America 250 Duel was clean; it remained green. At the end of some close battles at the front of the pack late in the race, Chase Elliott surged to the win.Chase Elliott wins Duel No. 2 at Daytona! pic.twitter.c
  
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• “You Are Too Old You Can’t Do It”: Kyle Busch Wants to Prove Detractors Wrong

  13-02-2026 05:21 via sports.yahoo.com
  Kyle Busch stands for the national anthem before the NASCAR Cup Series Duel during Speedweek, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. | Credits- © Nadia Zomorodian / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesKyle Busch is kicking off the 2026 season with the serious intentions of winning races, after spending the last two years struggling to get great results. It’s been a while since he won, and his pole in Daytona seems to have lit a fire in him.Over the past two seasons, Busch has knocked on the winning d
  
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• Anthony Alfredo disqualified, removed from Daytona 500 field

  13-02-2026 05:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  Motorsport photoAnthony Alfredo's Daytona 500 dream has come to a bitter end. After racing his way into the field, his No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race inspection.Alfredo finished 18th in Duel #2, besting both BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley to race his way into the 500. He failed to qualify for the race in 2025, and was extremely emotional over the prospect of competing in NASCAR's biggest race for just the third time in his career.Instead, he will be going home alongside Corey LaJoie
  
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• Richard Childress Has Still Not Gotten Over the Personal Attacks Made on Him by NASCAR Executives

  13-02-2026 05:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series team owner Richard Childress during the Xfinity Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe 2025 NASCAR offseason was arguably one of the most exciting periods of off-track drama in recent history, and the saga surrounding the revelation of top NASCAR officials lambasting Richard Childress behind his back was among the biggest stories. The controversy centered on insulting text messages directe
  
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• Could a trade deadline enliven the NASCAR season? Plenty of moving parts work against driver swaps

  13-02-2026 05:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Imagine a scenario in the NASCAR world — say, around the Brickyard 400 in July — when the hot topic isn't just which driver might kiss the bricks.Try, which driver could kiss his current ride goodbye.What if NASCAR took a cue from stick-and-ball sports and had a trade deadline? Forget trading paint. How about trading a star driver for a pair of minor-league prospects? Maybe a couple of veterans who wore out their welcome on one team get a fresh start
  
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