US Trends

when is the arca race at daytona

The main ARCA Menards Series race at Daytona in 2026 – the Daytona ARCA 200/General Tire 200 season opener – is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Daytona International Speedway.

When Is the ARCA Race at Daytona?

The ARCA Menards Series traditionally kicks off its season at Daytona, and 2026 continues that pattern with a Saturday midday race in the heart of Speedweeks.

Key Details

  • Race: ARCA Menards Series season opener (Daytona ARCA 200 / General Tire 200)
  • Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. ET (noon)
  • Location: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Distance: 80 laps, 200 miles (standard Daytona ARCA distance)
  • Broadcast: Live on FOX with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

In simple terms: if you’re planning your day around it, expect driver intros late morning and the green flag right at noon Eastern on Feb. 14.

Quick Context and What to Expect

The Daytona ARCA race is the season-opener for the 2026 ARCA Menards Series, marking the 74th season of the series. It’s part of NASCAR’s broader Daytona Speedweeks schedule and runs before other major events that weekend.

A few quick points fans usually care about:

  • It’s a high-entry race, often with a big field of young prospects and part-time veterans.
  • The event sits in the middle of a packed Speedweeks lineup, with ARCA practice and qualifying taking place on the preceding Thursday and Friday.
  • The 2026 schedule keeps Daytona as the first race of the year, just as in prior seasons.

Mini FAQ

Q: Is this the same as the “General Tire 200”?

  • Yes. The 2026 ARCA season opener at Daytona is listed as the General Tire 200 and serves as the traditional ARCA Daytona race.

Q: Is the race at night?

  • No. For 2026 it is a daytime start, at 12 p.m. ET.

Q: How does it fit into Speedweeks?

  • ARCA practice runs Thursday, qualifying on Friday, and the race at noon Saturday, slotted before other NASCAR events that day.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.