The much-anticipated Daytona 500 Cup Series race takes place on Sunday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, with organizers shifting the start time one hour earlier to 1:30 p.m. ET to avoid potential inclement weather. Fans can catch the 68th edition of “The Great American Race” live on FOX or stream it online for free through service trials, making it easier than ever to follow the action as top NASCAR drivers compete for the coveted checkered flag.
How to Watch the Daytona 500 Without a Cable Subscription
Spectators can tune in to the Daytona 500 Cup Series race either on television via FOX or by streaming through prominent online platforms. To access the race without a traditional cable package, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and SlingTV all offer popular streaming options. Both FuboTV and DirecTV provide free trial periods for new users, while SlingTV offers significant introductory discounts—enabling fans to watch the intense racing drama without committing to long-term contracts or costly fees.
The race begins at exactly 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, February 15, broadcast directly from Daytona International Speedway. FOX holds the television rights, delivering high-definition coverage for viewers across the country. Online streaming choices include:
- FuboTV (offers a free trial period)
- DirecTV Stream (includes a free five-day trial)
- SlingTV (features discounted rates for new subscribers and day-pass options)
Who’s Racing: Key Drivers and Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
Kyle Busch will lead the 41-car field after clocking the fastest qualifying lap, averaging a speed of 183.651 mph, and securing the coveted pole position. Close behind are Chase Briscoe and Joey Logano, followed by Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney rounding out the first five spots. Of these front-runners, only Logano has previously claimed a Daytona 500 victory, taking the top honor in 2014.
The starting grid showcases a mix of seasoned champions and rising talents. Notably, back-to-back defending champ William Byron will begin the race from the 39th spot in a highly competitive field. Other past Daytona 500 winners, such as Austin Dillon (starting 7th) and Michael McDowell (10th), are also among the contenders.
The complete starting order is:
1. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Chevrolet
2. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Toyota
3. Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford
4. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet
5. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford
6. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet
7. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet
8. Kle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet
9. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Ford
10. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Chevrolet
11. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Toyota
12. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Toyota
13. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Chevrolet
14. Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford
15. Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Chevrolet
16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet
17. Casey Mears, No. 66 Ford
18. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Ford
19. Ryan Preece, No. 60 Ford
20. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Toyota
21. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Chevrolet
22. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota
23. Cole Custer, No. 41 Chevrolet
24. Erik Jones, No. 43 Toyota
25. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Ford
26. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 Toyota
27. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota
28. Riley Herbst, No. 35 Toyota
29. Corey Heim, No. 67 Toyota
30. Zane Smith, No. 38 Florida
31. Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Toyota
32. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Chevrolet
33. Cody Ware, No. 51 Chevrolet
34. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Chevrolet
35. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Chevrolet
36. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford
37. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Chevrolet
38. B.J. McLeod, No. 78 Chevrolet
39. William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet
40. Justin Allgaier, No. 40 Chevrolet
41. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford
Affordable Live Streaming Options for Racing Fans
FuboTV delivers an extensive sports streaming offering, making it an attractive choice for viewers who want a robust package. During the current promotion, FuboTV’s plans begin at $48.99 for the first month, with regular pricing ranging from $73.99 to $103.99 after the introductory period. The service provides access to a broad array of channels and offers a free trial to new users, making it an accessible route to the Daytona 500 Cup Series race.
DirecTV Stream offers a five-day free trial and discounts totaling $30 over the initial three months of its Choice Package, which features over 125 channels, including ESPN Unlimited for comprehensive sports coverage.
SlingTV stands out for its flexible and economical approach. Their introductory rates for the Orange & Blue Plan are currently discounted to as low as $29.99 for the first month, and they offer a variety of short-term passes suited to different tastes, with day, three-day, and seven-day packages available.
The Excitement Builds for the Daytona 500 Cup Series Race
With dramatic storylines and some of the sport’s biggest names—such as Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Michael McDowell, and William Byron—all in pursuit of victory at Daytona International Speedway, excitement is at its peak. Racing enthusiasts across the country can easily watch the Daytona 500 Cup Series race for free or at a reduced rate by utilizing one of the streaming options listed above. As the drivers battle for position and history unfolds at Daytona, fans can expect an emotional and passionate contest that defines this legendary motorsports event.
