nascar duels
The NASCAR Duels are the two qualifying races that set most of the starting lineup for the Daytona 500, and in 2026 they’re happening on Thursday night of Speedweeks at Daytona.
What the NASCAR Duels Are
- The Duels are a pair of 60‑lap races run at Daytona International Speedway.
- Duel 1 decides the inside row (odd-numbered positions) of the Daytona 500 starting grid, and Duel 2 sets the outside row (even‑numbered positions).
- They come after single‑car qualifying, which locks in the front row and helps determine who goes into which Duel.
2026 Schedule, TV, and Basics
- In 2026, Duel 1 at Daytona is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on FS1.
- Duel 2 follows the same night, set for 8:45 p.m. Eastern on FS1.
- Both are part of the NASCAR Cup Series Speedweeks, leading into the 2026 Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15.
Key event details (2026)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Track | Daytona International Speedway (oval, superspeedway) |
| Race length | 60 laps each Duel |
| Duel 1 time | Thu, Feb 12 – 7:00 p.m. ET, FS1 |
| Duel 2 time | Thu, Feb 12 – 8:45 p.m. ET, FS1 |
| Daytona 500 | Sun, Feb 15 – 2:30 p.m. ET, FOX (2026) |
How the Duels Shape the Daytona 500
- Single‑car qualifying sets the pole and outside‑pole starters, plus who is “odd” and “even” for Duel lineups.
- Duel 1 is made up of odd‑numbered qualifiers (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.), while Duel 2 features even‑numbered qualifiers (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.).
- Finishing position in each Duel determines where those cars line up in the Daytona 500, inside vs outside rows.
For the “open” (non‑charter) teams, the Duels can be make‑or‑break. A good Duel finish can lock them into the 500, while a crash or poor run can send them home, as seen in past years where last‑lap wrecks eliminated bubble drivers and let others sneak into the race.
Recent Duels Storylines and Fan Buzz
Even though the exact 2026 race results are still fresh, the format and drama mirror recent years:
- In 2025, coverage and fan discussion focused heavily on who clinched spots through the Duels and who missed out at the last moment.
- Fan forums and reaction streams often highlight how confusing the “open car” qualification rules can be, with people sharing infographics explaining how Duel finishes, front‑row qualifiers, and provisionals all interact.
- Weather threats and schedule worries are recurring topics every year, with threads asking if the Duels will run on time or be delayed.
A typical fan experience is watching single‑car qualifying to see who grabs the front row, then tuning into the Duels to track bubble drivers and big teams experimenting with drafting partners before Sunday.
Mini FAQ on NASCAR Duels
- Are the Duels points races?
- They are primarily qualifying events to set the Daytona 500 grid; their main purpose is lineup and lock‑in spots, not championship points. (Modern coverage treats them as part of Speedweeks qualifying, not regular points events.)
- Why do casual fans care?
- The Duels give an early look at superspeedway form, drafting strength, and which underdog “open” cars make or miss the Great American Race, so they feel like a high‑stakes preview.
- Where can I watch or follow?
- In 2026, they air on FS1 in the U.S., with highlights and recaps on motorsports sites and video platforms shortly after each race.
TL;DR: The NASCAR Duels are two 60‑lap Thursday‑night qualifying races at Daytona that set the inside and outside rows of the Daytona 500, with massive implications for smaller “open” teams trying to race their way into the field.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.