Kaulig Racing is preparing for an ambitious run at the 68th edition of the Daytona 500, the season kickoff of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, as drivers AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon aim to secure not only their own first victory but also the team’s inaugural win in this iconic event in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Daytona 500, often referred to as “The Great American Race,” continues to be one of the most celebrated and competitive spectacles in motorsports, drawing worldwide attention and setting the tone for the new racing season.
Kaulig Racing’s Pursuit of Daytona Glory
As the anticipation builds for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, both Allmendinger and Dillon are focused on making history for Kaulig Racing. Neither driver nor the team has previously claimed a win at Daytona’s legendary 2.5-mile superspeedway. This year’s race falls during FOX NASCAR Daytona Speedweeks, a festival of high-speed events and intense competition that culminates with Sunday’s main event.
The journey to Sunday is filled with important moments, from the qualifying rounds to the Duels, each playing a crucial role in shaping starting positions and team morale. Kaulig Racing, recognized for its progress over recent seasons, enters the event eager to prove its capabilities on one of NASCAR’s grandest stages.
AJ Allmendinger Reflects on the Daytona 500 Experience
Returning to Daytona, Allmendinger expresses a deep sense of excitement and gratitude, tying his aspirations to the combined efforts of his team and valued sponsors. The race serves as a major cornerstone for both him and the entire Kaulig Racing family, who have devoted endless hours of preparation throughout the off-season.
“Superspeedway racing is some of the most exciting, but some of the most nerve-wracking racing out there. We’re happy to have CELSIUS back for the biggest race of the year, the Daytona 500. I know we all say that a lot, but there’s so much that builds up to it with all the hard work the team puts in during the off-season. Driving into Daytona still gives me chills. All the pre-race ceremonies and standing by the car—to this day—it’s emotional. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be part of the Daytona 500.”
— AJ Allmendinger, Driver
“We know we’ll always have fast cars at the superspeedways, and we know we’ll be competitive. The race is tough, and there’s a lot of luck that plays into it, but if we do the right things, we know we’ll have a shot at winning. It’s just special to be part of it all—the Duels, qualifying, practice, everything. It’s a massive build-up to Sunday. It’s one of the biggest events in the world when it comes to motorsports, and I’m very fortunate to still be a part of it. I would love to go to Daytona, put on a show, and celebrate with the men and women of Kaulig Racing and CELSIUS in Victory Lane.”
— AJ Allmendinger, Driver
Allmendinger embraces the balance of excitement and anxiety that comes with superspeedway competition, crediting both team determination and good fortune as essential components for victory. He highlights the sense of occasion surrounding the Daytona 500 and the important role of sponsors like CELSIUS, which align with the team’s drive for performance and endurance.
Ty Dillon’s Perspective on Making Daytona History
For Ty Dillon, the Daytona 500 is more than just a race; it is a defining milestone for anyone’s career in NASCAR. Drawing from his family’s long-standing involvement in the sport—his grandfather Richard Childress achieved Daytona success as a car owner, and his brother Austin Dillon as a driver—Ty Dillon carries both heritage and ambition into this year’s contest.
“The Daytona 500 to me is the most important race we have. It kicks off our year and is the equivalent of our Super Bowl, with 200-300,000 fans watching us and millions more on television. When you win that race, it changes your life forever as a driver. Getting out of the car, knowing you had just won the Daytona 500, for me, it would be nothing but a flood of emotions thinking back on all the hard work, so many years of trying, knowing how important the victory is to your career, it would be an incredibly emotional moment for me. My family has experienced that thrill. My grandfather (Richard Childress) did so as a car owner, and my brother (Austin Dillon) did so as a driver. I can’t imagine the elation I would have.”
— Ty Dillon, Driver
“I don’t think Kaulig Racing gets the recognition it deserves. You saw last year that we came in as an underdog, the 32nd seed in the In-Season Tournament, and we made it to the final race and finished second. It was huge for us, and we look forward to doing more things like that this year, starting with the Daytona 500.”
— Ty Dillon, Driver
Dillon highlights last year’s run as an underdog team that finished second in the In-Season Tournament, emphasizing Kaulig Racing’s resilience and hunger for a breakthrough. His comments reflect the collective drive within the organization to reach new heights, beginning with the Daytona 500.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
Kaulig Racing’s ambitions are reinforced by enthusiastic sponsorship from CELSIUS, an energy drink brand owned by Celsius Holdings, Inc., which focuses on fueling both elite athletes and everyday achievers. Their support underscores the spirit and determination running through the team. With the start of Daytona Speedweeks and the eyes of the motorsports world on Daytona International Speedway, the team enters the 2026 season with high expectations and a surge of energy.
If Allmendinger or Dillon secures a victory, it would represent a landmark triumph for Kaulig Racing, opening possibilities for greater recognition and opportunities in the NASCAR Cup Series. The race presents not just a chance for personal achievement but also a moment to elevate the team’s standing among the sport’s elite. As the engines roar to life on Sunday, fans and competitors alike will be eager to see if Kaulig Racing can make history at this year’s Daytona 500.
