Daytona 500 Starting Lineup 2026: The Road to Glory Begins

The anticipation is building! The 68th Daytona 500 is just around the corner, and the starting lineup is officially set. After a thrilling qualifying and the intensity of Thursday night’s Duels, we know which 41 drivers will battle it out for NASCAR glory. The stakes are high – a chance to etch their name in racing history or solidify their legendary status. This year’s grid promises a captivating race, filled with seasoned veterans and rising stars. Let’s dive into the complete Daytona 500 starting lineup 2026 and highlight some key contenders.

The Starting Grid: Row by Row

Here’s a detailed look at how the drivers will line up for at least 200 laps of high-octane action:

• Row 1
• 1. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
• 2. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• Row 2
• 3. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
• 4. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• Row 3
• 5. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
• 6. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
• Row 4
• 7. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
• 8. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• Row 5
• 9. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
• 10. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
• Row 6
• 11. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
• 12. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• Row 7
• 13. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
• 14. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
• Row 8
• 15. Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
• 16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
• Row 9
• 17. Casey Mears, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford (open entry)
• 18. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
• Row 10
• 19. Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford
• 20. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• Row 11
• 21. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• 22. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• Row 12
• 23. Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford
• 24. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
• Row 13
• 25. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford
• 26. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
• Row 14
• 27. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
• 28. Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota
• Row 15
• 29. Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota (open entry locked into 500 field on qualifying time)
• 30. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
• Row 16
• 31. Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota (open exemption provisional)
• 32. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
• Row 17
• 33. Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
• 34. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
• Row 18
• 35. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
• 36. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
• Row 19
• 37. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
• 38. BJ McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet (open entry)
• Row 20
• 39. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (will go to backup car)
• 40. Justin Allgaier, No. 40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet (open entry locked in on qualifying time)
• Row 21
• 41. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Key Drivers to Watch

While every driver on the grid is a contender, several stand out as potential frontrunners. Kyle Busch starts from pole position, giving him a significant advantage. Chase Elliott and Joey Logano are always threats, and Denny Hamlin, despite starting further back, has a proven track record at Daytona. Keep an eye on rookie sensation Connor Zilisch, who could shake up the established order.

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The Daytona 500 is more than just a race; it’s a spectacle. With a packed field and a history of dramatic finishes, this year’s event promises to be unforgettable. Get ready for a thrilling ride!