The qualifying session wasn't without drama. saw his qualifying time disallowed after NASCAR officials caught him using his hand to deflect air, an illegal attempt to gain an aerodynamic advantage. Meanwhile, veterans like Jimmie Johnson entered the weekend with a guaranteed spot in the field via the Open Exemption Provisional (OEP).
Driving for , Busch posted a blazing second-round lap time of 49.006 seconds (183.651 mph), just enough to edge out the competition and set a positive tone for his 2026 campaign. 2026 Daytona 500 Front Row
Joining Busch on the prestigious front row is , who locked in the second-fastest time. Unlike the rest of the field, whose starting positions were determined by the Bluegreen Vacations Duels, the front row starters had their positions guaranteed based on their single-car qualifying speeds on February 11, 2026. Manufacturer 1 (Pole) Kyle Busch Richard Childress Racing 2 Chase Briscoe Joe Gibbs Racing Top Qualifying Performers Nascar Pole For Daytona 500
The second round of qualifying featured a diverse mix of manufacturers and teams, proving that the gap between the powerhouses is as slim as ever.
Kyle Busch Ends the Curse: Secures Pole Position for 2026 Daytona 500 The qualifying session wasn't without drama
: A three-time Daytona 500 winner, Hamlin showed strong speed in 4th (49.100s).
: Continued his history of front-row speed by finishing 6th. Notable Qualifying Storylines Driving for , Busch posted a blazing second-round
Who do you think will to challenge Busch for the win? Follow our coverage for the latest race-day updates and results. DAYTONA 500 - Official Site Of NASCAR