The Daytona Beach area is preparing for a busy start to 2026 as it hosts a series of motorsports events at the Daytona International Speedway. The schedule will feature sports cars, stock cars, and motorcycles over three months.
The season begins with the Roar Before The Rolex 24, a three-day test session for teams and drivers ahead of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA Weekend from January 22-25. This event allows participants to prepare for the main race and includes two 45-minute multi-class races with the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
On January 24-25, the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona will open the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. According to organizers, “The Rolex 24 is the ultimate test of man and machine and has become a fan favorite with pre-race grid access, the popular Ferris Wheel and fireworks, autograph sessions, live entertainment and displays from top manufacturers.” Fans can also attend Taste of the 24 on January 24 to sample local food during racing action. Support races include the BMW M Endurance Challenge on Friday, January 24.
Stock car racing follows with NASCAR’s DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 15. Events leading up to this include qualifying rounds on February 11-12, followed by several support races such as the Fresh From Florida 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on February 13 and additional series races on February 14.
Beyond racing at the Speedway, fans can attend Bert Kreischer’s Full Throttle Festival DAYTONA 500 Pre-Party at Ocean Center Convention Complex on February 14. The festival will feature performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, country artist ERNEST, stand-up comedy from Kreischer and his guests, barbecue offerings from pitmasters across the country, tailgate games, and drinks in what organizers describe as “their signature, unpredictable energy.”
Motorcycle events are set for late February through early March during Daytona Beach Bike Week. The DAYTONA Supercross takes place on Saturday, February 28; this event is noted as “the longest continuous Supercross event in America,” with a course designed by Ricky Carmichael.
Progressive American Flat Track starts its season at Daytona International Speedway’s Flat Track with back-to-back nights of competition March 5-6. The historic DAYTONA 200 motorcycle road race runs March 5-7.
Additional short-track events are scheduled at New Smyrna Speedway and Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville throughout this period.
For further details about these events or lodging options in Daytona Beach area cities such as Ormond Beach or Ponce Inlet—which offer various attractions beyond motorsports—information is available at official websites including www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or www.daytonabeach.com.
“Daytona Beach continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions,” according to information provided by local tourism officials.
