Daytona 500 Odds: Can William Bryon Achieve Unprecedented Three-Peat at Daytona as Start Time Pushes Early?
The Daytona 500 is not looking for another weather delay like 2024, moving up the race start time to avoid any issues on Sunday afternoon. The drivers will now hit the green flag at 2:13 PM ET, and William Byron will attempt the unprecedented three-peat in the biggest race of the year. Peter Alexis breaks down his chances in the 2026 Daytona 500.
Peter Alexis - February 15, 2026, 12:15 PM EST
4 Minute Read2026 Daytona 500 Odds: Race Start Time Moves Up an Hour as William Byron Guns for Impossible Three-Peat
The 2026 Daytona 500 returns as NASCAR’s annual crown jewel, opening the Cup Series season with the sport’s biggest stage at Daytona International Speedway. As always, the “Great American Race” blends history, chaos, and razor-thin finishes, where drafting strategy and late-race survival often matter more than raw speed. This year’s edition carries extra urgency after recent weather disruptions, with officials moving the program start to 1:30 p.m. ET and the green flag to 2:13 p.m. ET to avoid expected afternoon rain that has impacted each of the last two runnings.
William Byron enters as the reigning champion after securing a rare three-peat bid opportunity, having dominated drafting tracks in recent seasons and becoming the first driver since Denny Hamlin in 2019-20 to win consecutive Daytona 500s. Meanwhile, the betting board remains tightly packed, led by Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, and Ryan Blaney near the top of the odds, reflecting how unpredictable superspeedway racing can be even among elite contenders.
Daytona’s 2.5-mile drafting layout keeps the field bunched together, creating constant lead changes and the ever-present threat of multi-car wrecks. With 41 drivers chasing a record purse and season-opening momentum, Sunday’s race again looks wide open despite a handful of statistical favorites.
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Daytona 500 Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, February 15th, 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM ET
- Where to Watch: FOX
Daytona 500 Odds
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Daytona 500 Odds Breakdown
Denny Hamlin (+1200) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Hamlin is one of the greatest superspeedway racers of his era and already owns multiple Daytona 500 victories. A fourth win would carry emotional weight following personal tragedy this offseason, and his drafting expertise keeps him dangerous whenever he’s in the lead pack late. Few drivers manage race positioning at Daytona better than Hamlin, making his odds appealing despite the randomness of the event.
Ryan Blaney (+1100) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Blaney consistently runs near the front on drafting tracks thanks to Team Penske’s strong superspeedway program. Although he has yet to win the Daytona 500 itself, his victories at Talladega and the summer Daytona race prove he knows how to close. If the final laps turn into a strategic chess match, Blaney has the experience to capitalize.
William Byron (+1600) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Going for a historic three-peat, Byron’s recent Daytona résumé is unmatched in the field. He owns multiple wins here and ranks among the best average finishers on drafting tracks over the past two seasons. Even at slightly longer odds than the co-favorites, his track record alone makes him one of the most logical contenders to repeat.
Kyle Busch (+1100) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Busch starts on the pole and brings veteran savvy to one of the sport’s most unpredictable races. While Daytona hasn’t always delivered him victory lane success, front-row track position and elite racecraft give him a clear path to control early stages. If he survives the late chaos, Busch has the talent to finish the job.
Kyle Larson (+1700) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Larson’s overall Cup dominance contrasts sharply with his Daytona history, where drafting-track wins have remained elusive. Bettors continue backing his raw skill, but until he proves he can navigate superspeedway pack racing to victory, he remains one of the more polarizing names on the board. Still, talent alone keeps him within striking distance if the race unfolds cleanly.
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