The Daytona Beach area is preparing for a busy start to 2026 as it hosts several major motorsports events at the Daytona International Speedway. The season will begin with the Roar Before The Rolex 24, a three-day test session from January 22-25 that allows teams and drivers to prepare for the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA Weekend. This event features all participating sports cars and drivers, along with two multi-class races as part of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
Following this, the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona will take place on January 24-25. This race marks the opening of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season and includes pre-race grid access, autograph sessions, live entertainment, and displays from manufacturers. Fans can also attend Taste of the 24 on January 24 to sample local cuisine while watching racing action. Support races include the BMW M Endurance Challenge on Friday, January 24.
Stock car racing will be highlighted by the 68th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, 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 and ARCA Menards Series race on February 14.
In addition to racing at the speedway, Bert Kreischer’s Full Throttle Festival DAYTONA 500 Pre-Party will be held at Ocean Center Convention Complex on Saturday, February 14. The festival will feature performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, ERNEST, stand-up comedy from Kreischer and his friends, barbecue from top pitmasters nationwide, tailgate games, and drinks.
Motorcycle events conclude Speed Season during Daytona Beach Bike Week. The schedule includes the DAYTONA Supercross—the longest-running Supercross event in America—on Saturday, February 28 with a course designed by Ricky Carmichael. Progressive American Flat Track starts its season with back-to-back nights of racing at Daytona International Speedway’s Flat Track (DAYTONA Short Track I & II) on March 5-6. The historic DAYTONA 200 road course motorcycle race follows from March 5-7.
Additional short-track events are planned at New Smyrna Speedway and Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville.
For more information about these events or lodging options in Daytona Beach visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, volusiaspeedwaypark.com, www.newmyrnaspeedway.org or www.daytonabeach.com.
“Daytona Beach continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions,” according to information provided by local tourism officials. “The destination has long been known for its iconic beaches and rich auto racing history but today a slate of exciting new attractions…are all part of Daytona Beach’s year-round appeal.”
Media inquiries can be directed to Andrew Booth at abooth@daytonabeach.com or (386)255-0415 ext.125.
