DAYTONA BEACH — A full day of racing action is unfolding at Daytona International Speedway as NASCAR’s biggest weekend continues to build momentum ahead of Sunday’s Daytona 500. With ARCA, the O’Reilly Series and Cup Series practice all packed into Saturday’s schedule, fans are getting a preview of what’s to come in the Great American Race.
Daytona 500 Start Time Moved Up
NASCAR has adjusted the start time for Sunday’s Daytona 500 due to possible weather concerns. The race will now begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, one hour earlier than originally planned.
Gates and hospitality areas will open at 9:00 a.m.
Hard Rock Bet Fanzone opens at 8:30 a.m.
Parking lots open at 6:00 a.m.
The adjustment is designed to maximize the window for completing the race without interruption.
Saturday Schedule at Daytona
10:00 a.m. ET – O’Reilly Series qualifying
12:00 p.m. ET – ARCA General Tire 200
3:00 p.m. ET – Cup Series final practice
5:00 p.m. ET – O’Reilly Series United Rentals 300
The United Rentals 300 marks the first race under the O’Reilly branding following last season’s sponsorship transition from Xfinity.
Austin Hill Wins Pole in Qualifying
Austin Hill delivered the fastest lap of the final qualifying round with a time of 49.39 seconds, earning pole position for Saturday evening’s race. Defending race winner and reigning series champion Jesse Love will start alongside Hill on the outside of the front row.
Earlier in qualifying, Love posted a leading 49.411-second lap among the first 26 drivers to record times.
O’Reilly Series Race Details
Race: United Rentals 300
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
TV: The CW
Streaming: Fubo
Radio: MRN | SiriusXM Channel 90
Entry List Highlights
Austin Hill
Jesse Love
Justin Allgaier
Sammy Smith
Carson Hocevar
Sheldon Creed
Brandon Jones
Harrison Burton
Natalie Decker
Daniel Dye
Parker Retzlaff
Latest Betting Odds
According to BetMGM (as of Feb. 13):
Austin Hill: +375
Jesse Love: +625
Justin Allgaier: +1000
Sammy Smith: +1100
Carson Hocevar: +1300
ARCA General Tire 200 Recap
The ARCA Menards Series season opener began at noon ET and quickly produced dramatic moments.
Red Flag Incident: Alli Owens, competing in her first ARCA event in 16 years, experienced engine smoke before crashing hard into the wall on Lap 69. The incident triggered the race’s fifth caution and first red flag as safety crews responded.
Halfway Mark: At 40 laps completed, the race was under caution with Daniel Dye leading. Earlier in the event, Isabella Robusto held the top position through the first 17 laps.
ARCA Race Broadcast Information
Event: General Tire 200 (ARCA Menards Series)
TV: Fox
Streaming: Fubo
Radio: MRN | SiriusXM Channel 90
When Is the 2026 Daytona 500?
Date: Sunday, Feb. 15
Start Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Streaming: Fox Sports
Daytona 500 Tickets
As of Feb. 13, grandstand tickets for the Daytona 500 were listed starting at $109 on StubHub, with two-day passes available from $193.
For complete race coverage, official schedules and additional updates, visit the official NASCAR website at NASCAR.com.
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