The NASCAR Cup Series qualifying Daytona today promises to set the stage for Saturday’s big race, as drivers gather at Daytona International Speedway this Friday, August 22. Fans eager to follow the event can catch all the crucial timing, broadcast, and streaming details to ensure they don’t miss a moment of the qualifying session.
This evening’s qualifying round differs from the Daytona 500 setup, featuring a single-session format to decide the starting lineup instead of the twin duels that usually accompany the marquee February event. As anticipation builds, the absence of preliminary duels adds extra intensity for teams and drivers, all aiming for a prime starting spot under the lights at Daytona.
Qualifying Details: Schedule, Format, and Key Information
Today’s Cup Series qualifying at Daytona International Speedway is officially scheduled to get underway at 5:05pm ET on Friday, August 22. Notably, there will be no practice run before the session, so drivers must perform at their peak immediately.
As with all major NASCAR events, time zone differences can affect when fans tune in. For those across the United States, qualifying starts at 5:05pm Eastern Time, 4:05pm Central, 3:05pm Mountain, and 2:05pm Pacific. The outcome of this qualifying will directly determine the lineup for Saturday’s main race, intensifying the drama and pressure on both experienced competitors and newcomers.
Earlier in the season, Chase Briscoe from Joe Gibbs Racing claimed pole position at Daytona during Cup Series qualifying, besting a competitive field that featured rivals such as Austin Cindric, Ryan Preece, and Joey Logano. All eyes will be on whether any of these drivers can replicate that performance, or if new names like Christopher Bell, Ty Dillon, Ryan Blaney, and others will rise to the forefront.
Where to Watch: TV and Radio Broadcast Information
Fans looking for televised coverage can tune in to truTV, where the live broadcast is set to begin at 5pm ET, providing comprehensive coverage as the qualifying session unfolds. For those preferring to listen in, radio broadcasts will be available through SiriusXM and the Motor Racing Network (MRN), ensuring multiple ways to keep up with the action from Daytona.
Streaming the Qualifying Session: Online Viewing Options
Multiple streaming services are offering access to today’s qualifying action. The truTV app is available for those watching via mobile devices or smart TVs. Additionally, qualifying can be streamed live through platforms carrying truTV, including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV’s Blue package. This variety ensures NASCAR enthusiasts will have no shortage of ways to follow every moment, regardless of where they are.
Driver Qualifying Order: Scheduled Laps for Each Competitor
The order in which drivers will take to the track to set their lap times is as follows:
1. Joey Gase, No. 44, NY Racing Team Chevrolet
2. Casey Mears, No. 66, Garage 66 Ford
3. BJ McLeod, No. 78, Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet
4. Justin Haley, No. 7, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
5. Austin Hill, No. 33, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
6. Cody Ware, No. 51, Rick Ware Racing Ford
7. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
8. Riley Herbst, No. 35, 23XI Racing Toyota
9. Noah Gragson, No. 4, Front Row Motorsports Ford
10. Ryan Preece, No. 60, RFK Racing Ford
11. Chase Elliott, No. 9, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
12. Cole Custer, No. 41, Haas Factory Team Ford
13. Todd Gilliland, No. 34, Front Row Motorsports Ford
14. Tyler Reddick, No. 45, 23XI Racing Toyota
15. Erik Jones, No. 43, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
16. Ricky Stenhouse, No. 47, JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet
17. Chris Buescher, No. 17, RFK Racing Ford
18. Ty Dillon, No. 10, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
19. Bubba Wallace, No. 23, 23XI Racing Toyota
20. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
21. Michael McDowell, No. 71, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
22. Ross Chastain, No. 1, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
23. Ty Gibbs, No. 54, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
24. Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 88, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
25. Carson Hocevar, No. 77, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
26. Christopher Bell, No. 20, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
27. Kyle Busch, No. 8, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
28. Zane Smith, No. 38, Front Row Motorsports Ford
29. Daniel Suarez, No. 99, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
30. Josh Berry, No. 21, Wood Brothers Racing Ford
31. Brad Keselowski, No. 6, RFK Racing Ford
32. Chase Briscoe, No. 19, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
33. William Byron, No. 24, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
34. Austin Dillon, No. 3, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
35. Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
36. Austin Cindric, No. 2, Team Penske Ford
37. Joey Logano, No. 22, Team Penske Ford
38. Kyle Larson, No. 5, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
39. Alex Bowman, No. 48, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
40. Ryan Blaney, No. 12, Team Penske Ford
What Lies Ahead for NASCAR and Its Stars
With a packed field including top contenders like Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, and rookies like Shane Van Gisbergen, today’s qualifying session is expected to offer fast-paced and dramatic moments. The absence of practice laps raises the stakes for every driver, especially at a track known for its high speeds and unique challenges. As the grid is set, attention will pivot to Saturday’s race and broader events in NASCAR, including rumors about the 2026 schedule and updates surrounding Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, and other major teams. The anticipation for the main race is matched by evolving developments throughout the series, making this qualifying session a pivotal moment for drivers and fans alike.
