How to watch Daytona 500 live – free streams, TV channels, and start time
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The 2026 Daytona 500 takes place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Florida. Known as The Great American Race, the Daytona 500 opens the NASCAR Cup Series season and remains one of the most prestigious events in motorsport.
The race covers 500 miles (200 laps) around the 2.5‑mile tri-oval superspeedway. With high-speed drafting, tight pack racing, and frequent late-race drama, the Daytona 500 is often unpredictable and regularly produces surprise winners.
The green flag is expected around 2:30 PM ET, which is 7:30 PM GMT, 8:30 PM CET, 11:30 AM PT, and 8:30 AM NZDT (February 16) in New Zealand.
Where to watch Daytona 500 – streaming options by country
Below is an overview of official broadcasters showing the Daytona 500 in different countries.
| Country | Broadcaster | Price |
| United States | FOX | Included in most cable packages (varies by provider, usually $65.00–$100.00/month) |
| United States | fuboTV / Hulu + Live TV | From $70.00/month |
| United Kingdom | Viaplay | From £14.99/month |
| Canada | TSN | Included in most cable packages (varies by provider, $50.00–$80.00/month) |
| Australia | Fox Sports | From AU$27.00/month via Kayo Sports base plan |
| New Zealand | Three/ThreeNow | Free |
How to watch Daytona 500 for free
Free NASCAR streams are available on ThreeNow in New Zealand. However, the platform is geo-restricted, meaning you’ll need a VPN to access it from outside New Zealand. Here’s how to watch the Daytona 500 for free:
- Download and install a VPN with servers in New Zealand – I recommend NordVPN for fast and stable streaming.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in New Zealand
- Visit the ThreeNow website or open the app.
- Find the Daytona 500 live broadcast
- Start streaming the race for free
Best VPNs to watch Daytona 500
We’ve tested leading VPN services to find the best options for streaming live sports events like the Daytona 500. Our recommendations offer fast speeds, stable connections, and reliable access to geo-restricted platforms.
- NordVPN – best overall for streaming with consistently fast speeds and strong unblocking capabilities, ideal for HD race coverage.
- Surfshark – best budget option that supports unlimited device connections, making it great for families or multiple screens.
- Proton VPN – best for privacy-focused users, offering strong security features combined with reliable streaming performance.
How to watch Daytona 500 on different devices
Your viewing experience depends on your chosen broadcaster and whether you need a VPN. Game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox don’t support VPN apps directly. In that case, you’ll need to configure the VPN on your router or stream via HDMI from a laptop.
- Web browsers (PC & Mac). The most reliable option. VPNs and streaming platforms work smoothly on desktop devices.
- Mobile devices (iOS & Android). Apps for ThreeNow and most VPN providers are widely supported, making phones and tablets a flexible option.
- Smart TVs and streaming devices. Amazon Fire TV and Android TV devices typically offer native VPN apps. Some Smart TVs may require VPN setup on your router.
Best overall option: Watching on a laptop or mobile device with a VPN enabled is usually the simplest and most reliable method.
Entry list and contenders
While the official starting grid will be finalized after qualifying and Duel races, several top contenders are expected to feature prominently.
Likely front-runners include recent Cup champions and experienced Daytona performers known for strong drafting strategy and late-race execution. Young drivers looking to establish themselves early in the 2026 season could also play a major role.
History of the Daytona 500
First held in 1959, the Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s most prestigious race and the crown jewel of the Cup Series calendar. Held annually at Daytona International Speedway, it marks the official start of the NASCAR season.
The race is famous for its high speeds, dramatic finishes, and historic moments. Winning the Daytona 500 is often considered career-defining for drivers, regardless of how the rest of their season unfolds.
Because of the draft-heavy racing style on the 2.5‑mile superspeedway, the event frequently produces close finishes and unexpected winners, adding to its reputation as one of motorsport’s most exciting events.
Prediction: Daytona 500 2026
Daytona’s superspeedway format makes the race unpredictable, but current form and betting odds highlight a few key contenders. Ryan Blaney enters as the slight favorite, followed closely by Joey Logano and William Byron, all backed by strong superspeedway experience. Fans in New Zealand are particularly excited to watch Shane van Gisbergen, who is in his second full-time NASCAR Cup season and has quickly become a serious contender at pack races.
A realistic outcome would see one of these top drivers take the win, with the others finishing in the top three. Still, drafting dynamics and late-race incidents could shuffle the final order, which is part of what makes the Daytona 500 so exciting.
Prediction: Ryan Blaney to win, with Joey Logano and William Byron completing the top three, and Shane van Gisbergen likely in the top five.
FAQ
How can I watch the Daytona 500 live in the United States?
In the United States, the Daytona 500 will be broadcast live on FOX. It’s included in most cable TV packages, which typically cost between $65.00 and $100.00/month depending on your provider. You can also stream it live through fuboTV or Hulu + Live TV, with plans starting at $70.00/month.
Can I watch the Daytona 500 in the United Kingdom?
UK viewers can watch the race live on Viaplay, with subscriptions starting from £14.99/month. Viaplay provides full NASCAR Cup Series coverage, including the Daytona 500.
How do I watch the Daytona 500 in Canada?
In Canada, the race will air on TSN, which is included in most cable packages. Pricing varies by provider but usually ranges from $50.00 to $80.00/month.
How can I watch the Daytona 500 in Australia?
Australian viewers can stream the Daytona 500 on Fox Sports via Kayo Sports, with plans starting from AU$27.00/month. Kayo provides live NASCAR coverage and on-demand replays.
