The 2026 NASCAR Truck Series Daytona event is set to kick off its season at Daytona International Speedway with an impressive and oversized entry list, signaling heightened anticipation for the Fresh From Florida 250. With 44 trucks registered for Friday evening’s opener, but only 36 positions available, competition for grid spots will be fierce.
Oversized Field Adds Drama to Daytona’s Season Opener
NASCAR’s regulations permit just 36 trucks to line up for the start of its season, so eight teams will see their efforts end in this week’s qualifying. The limited starting field intensifies the stakes at Daytona International Speedway, a venue known for setting the tone for the season ahead. Fans and participants alike are closely watching to see which drivers and teams will make the cut for the anticipated season opener, as this race provides an early opportunity to earn momentum.
Champion Corey Heim Missing From Entry Due to Daytona 500 Focus
An unexpected development is the absence of Corey Heim, last year’s Truck Series champion and the record-setting winner of twelve races in the previous season. Heim, who claimed victory at Daytona in 2025, will not defend his Fresh From Florida 250 title; instead, he is prioritizing qualifying for the prestigious Daytona 500, shifting his focus from trucks to NASCAR’s top tier for this weekend.
Notable Names and Unique Entrants Boost Entry List
This year’s entry list for the NASCAR Truck Series Daytona 2026 showcases a rare blend of established motorsports stars, cross-over celebrities, and rising prospects. Among the prominent figures set to compete is Cleetus McFarland, a digital content creator and YouTuber. McFarland awaits final approval from NASCAR following a recent test at Rockingham Speedway; if granted, he will debut in the No. 4 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado, marking his transition from four ARCA Menards Series starts to his first official Truck Series appearance.
The lineup is further bolstered by the star power of Tony Stewart, making his anticipated return to NASCAR, along with Cup Series stalwarts like Michael McDowell and Travis Pastrana. Other notable names featured on the list include Frankie Muniz, known for his Hollywood career and now focusing on racing, as well as Carson Hocevar, Corey LaJoie, and a host of other experienced and emerging talents. The diverse pool highlights the cross-series appeal and competitive depth of this edition’s season opener.
2026 Fresh From Florida 250: Complete Preliminary Entry List
The preliminary entry list is as follows, subject to qualifying and NASCAR eligibility approval:
1. TBA – TRICON Garage (Toyota)
2. Jason White – Team Reaume (Ford)
3. TBA (Cleetus McFarland pending approval) – Niece Motorsports (Chevrolet)
4. Nick Leitz – TRICON Garage (Toyota)
5. Norm Benning – Norm Benning Racing (Chevrolet)
6. Michael McDowell – Spire Motorsports (Chevrolet)
7. Grant Enfinger – CR7 Motorsports (Chevrolet)
8. Daniel Dye – Kaulig Racing (RAM)
9. Kaden Honeycutt – TRICON Garage (Toyota)
10. Brenden Queen – Kaulig Racing (RAM)
11. Cole Butcher – ThorSport Racing (Ford)
12. Mini Tyrrell – Kaulig Racing (RAM)
13. Tanner Gray – TRICON Garage (Toyota)
14. Justin Haley – Kaulig Racing (RAM)
15. Gio Ruggiero – TRICON Garage (Toyota)
16. Tyler Ankrum – McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (Chevrolet)
17. Daniel Hemric – McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (Chevrolet)
18. Josh Reaume – Team Reaume (Ford)
19. Tony Stewart – Kaulig Racing (RAM)
20. Dawson Sutton – Rackley WAR (Chevrolet)
21. Toni Breidinger – Rackley WAR (Chevrolet)
22. Bryan Dauzat – FDNY Racing (Chevrolet)
23. Frankie Muniz – Team Reaume (Ford)
24. Layne Riggs – Front Row Motorsports (Ford)
25. Greg Van Alst – Greg Van Alst Motorsports (Chevrolet)
26. Chandler Smith – Front Row Motorsports (Ford)
27. Travis Pastrana – Niece Motorsports (Chevrolet)
28. Andres Perez de Lara – Niece Motorsports (Chevrolet)
29. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – Niece Motorsports (Chevrolet)
30. Stewart Friesen – Halmar Friesen Racing (Toyota)
31. Timmy Hill – Hill Motorsports (Toyota)
32. John Hunter Nemechek – Halmar Friesen Racing (Toyota)
33. Tyler Tomassi – MBM Motorsports (Ford)
34. Corey LaJoie – Henderson Motorsports (Chevrolet)
35. Spencer Boyd – Freedom Racing Enterprises (Chevrolet)
36. Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports (Chevrolet)
37. Kris Wright – McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (Chevrolet)
38. Ty Majeski – ThorSport Racing (Ford)
39. TBA – Terry Carroll Motorsports (Toyota)
40. Christian Eckes – McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (Chevrolet)
41. Clay Greenfield – GK Racing (Chevrolet)
42. Jason Kitzmiller – CR7 Motorsports (Chevrolet)
43. Jake Garcia – ThorSport Racing (Ford)
44. Ben Rhodes – ThorSport Racing (Ford)
High Stakes and Intrigue Ahead of Qualifying
The combination of returning champions, established Cup stars, celebrity entrants, and up-and-coming drivers makes this year’s Fresh From Florida 250 one of the most competitive and attention-grabbing season openers in recent memory. As qualifying approaches, fans of the NASCAR Truck Series Daytona 2026 can expect an intense battle for a spot among the final 36 starters, setting the pace for an action-filled season ahead.
There are 44 trucks (for 36 spots) on the entry list for Friday's #NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona: https://t.co/Epc5PARWLr
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) February 9, 2026
