The Daytona Beach area is preparing for an extensive motorsports season in early 2026, with several major events scheduled at the Daytona International Speedway and other local tracks.
The motorsports calendar will begin with the Roar Before The Rolex 24, a three-day test session from January 22 to 25. This event allows teams and drivers to prepare for the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA Weekend and features sports cars and drivers set to compete in the main race. The schedule also includes two 45-minute multi-class races as part of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.
On January 24-25, the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona will open the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. The event is known for its endurance format and draws significant fan interest. Attractions during this weekend include pre-race grid access, autograph sessions, live entertainment, displays from manufacturers, and local food offerings at Taste of the 24 on January 24. Support races such as the BMW M Endurance Challenge will also take place.
Stock car racing will be highlighted by the 68th annual DAYTONA 500 on February 15. Events leading up to NASCAR’s season opener include qualifying rounds, additional series races, and related festivities:
– DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light on February 11
– America 250 Florida Duel at DAYTONA qualifying races on February 12
– Fresh From Florida 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on February 13
– United Rentals 300 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race and ARCA Menards Series race on February 14
Fans can also attend Bert Kreischer’s Full Throttle Festival DAYTONA 500 Pre-Party at the Ocean Center Convention Complex on February 14. The event features musical acts Lynyrd Skynyrd, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, country artist ERNEST, stand-up comedy from Kreischer and others, BBQ from pitmasters across the country, and a beer hall with tailgate games.
Motorcycle events will conclude Speed Season as part of Daytona Beach Bike Week. The DAYTONA Supercross takes place on February 28 with a course designed by Ricky Carmichael. Progressive American Flat Track begins its season at Daytona International Speedway with back-to-back nights of racing March 5–6 during DAYTONA Short Track I & II. The historic DAYTONA 200 motorcycle road race runs March 5–7.
Additional short-track racing events are scheduled at New Smyrna Speedway and Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville.
More information about these events can be found at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, volusiaspeedwaypark.com, and www.newmyrnaspeedway.org. Lodging availability is listed at www.daytonabeach.com.
Andrew Booth of the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau said: “Daytona Beach continues to delight and surprise visitors with its diverse and growing array of attractions.” He noted that while known for its beaches and auto racing history, Daytona Beach now offers new attractions, upscale lodging options, arts venues, parks, preserves, and outdoor activities throughout the year.
