Live updates from the 2026 Daytona Duels, results and highlights from the Daytona 500 qualifying races

Live updates from the 2026 Daytona Duels, results and highlights from the Daytona 500 qualifying races originally appeared on Sports news. Add The Sporting News as Favorite source by clicking here.

The Cup Series schedule begins in earnest with the Daytona Duels. It’s a welcome sight for NASCAR fans. After all, it indicates that the biggest spectacle in stock car racing – the Daytona 500 – is on the horizon.

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Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe were in the spotlight during Wednesday’s qualifying session, racing through the corner to secure a front-row spot in Sunday’s race. They, too, will join the ranks of Daytona Duels competitors, surrounded by a group of drivers hoping to start their Cup Series campaigns off on the right foot.

The shortened nature of the race, coupled with the perilous nature of Daytona International Speedway’s winding thoroughfare, could precipitate fireworks over two rounds. The Big One appears like a shadow to all those who prance through the hallowed halls of the Colosseum. Thursday’s release could offer a glimpse.

Sporting News is following live updates from Thursday’s Daytona Duels. Follow along below for highlights, results and more from the night races at Daytona International Speedway.

WATCH: Watch NASCAR Daytona Duels races live with Fubo

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Live Updates and Highlights from the 2026 Daytona Duels

(All times Eastern)

9:36 p.m.: Briscoe holds firm at the head of the pack. He is joined by Ty Dillon and Chase Elliott. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. pushes hard on Dillon’s bumper. But it looks like Kaulig Racing’s talent will overtake Briscoe for P1.

9:00 p.m.: Chase Briscoe leads green flag race

8:30 p.m.: Joey Logano wins the first duel! Casey Mears enters too!

8:25 p.m.: BE CAREFUL! Corey LaJoie twists, turns and falls out of the pack – and fights for an open charter in the Daytona 500 – after colliding with the wall. We will return for an additional extension.

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8:15 p.m.: BE CAREFUL! After climbing to the head of the peloton, Bubba Wallace spins after facing a bump from Austin Dillon! We’re heading into overtime! Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano will kick off with just two laps remaining.

7:58 p.m.: BE CAREFUL! The yellow flag flies as Casey Mears drives into Noah Gragson after spinning onto the infield grass. This is the first warning of the race! And that should bring a procession of cars down pit road.

7:50 p.m.: Preece continues to maintain his position as race leader. Busch fell quite a bit, falling to sixth place in the field. Things have been clean so far, with a green flag pit stop seemingly on the horizon – at least for now.

7:40 p.m.: For about 25 laps, Preece leads the way, pacing the field at speeds of about 190 mph. Chris Buescher isn’t far behind.

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7:20 p.m.: Here we go ! Kyle Busch and Ryan Preece lead the way in the first of 100 laps!

7:15 p.m.: The Duel 1 drivers have started their engines! The first race will start in about five minutes.

Duel 1 starting lineup

Duel 2 starting lineup

Start times for the 2026 Daytona Duels

• Duel 2: 8:45 p.m. ET (approximately)

Duel 1 will be composed of odd finishers (one, three, five, etc.) from the time trials. Duel 2 will feature the even participants of the trial (two, four, six, etc.)

TV Channel Daytona Duels 2026

• Television networks: FS1 (United States), TSN5 (Canada)

Thursday’s races will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Mike Joy (play-by-play) will lead the call; he will be joined by analysts Clint Bowyer and Larry McReynolds, who will offer occasional thoughts from the booth.

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Races can be streamed on Fubowhich offers a free trial to new users.