As 2026 Season Begins, Time For NASCAR To Stand By Their Words

Published: Thu, 02/12/26

Updated: Thu, 02/12/26

Frontstretch Newsletter: Feb. 12, 2026
Volume XX, Edition XVII

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What to Watch: Thursday

- Today, we'll determine the 41 drivers that will start the 68th annual Daytona 500. Coverage of the America 250 Duels will begin with NASCAR RaceDay at 6 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1. Race coverage will start at 7 p.m. ET with the green flag around 7:15 p.m. ET.

- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams will have their first practice of the 2026 season this afternoon. Coverage will begin at 5 p.m. ET on FS1.

- In the woods of Volusia County, the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals continue with the second night of racing for the Super DIRTcar Series and opening night for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DirtVision. Coverage will begin at 6:15 p.m. ET on DirtVision.

- The World Series of Asphalt also continues at New Smyrna Speedway with Night No. 7 of action from the .44-mile oval. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on FLORacing.

We will have recaps of the America 250 Duels and any other news that breaks for you today at Frontstretch.

FOLLOW THE FRONTSTRETCH IN DAYTONA AT THROUGH OUR COLLEAGUE:

Dalton Hopkins (@PitLaneCPT)

Tanner Marlar (@tanner_marlar)

Also, don't forget to follow our Twitter page, @Frontstretch as well for updates on Daytona!

TV Schedule: Here

Today's Top News:

Kyle Busch Wins Daytona 500 Pole

With a lap at 183.925 mph Wednesday night, Richard Childress Racing's Kyle Busch won the pole for the Daytona 500. Chase Briscoe will start alongside.

‘I Knew We Were Good, But Not Top 5 Good’: Corey Heim Turns Daytona 500 Berth into Near Pole Run

23XI Racing's Corey Heim came into Wednesday night not locked into the Daytona 500 and not really sure of his single-lap pace. A lap at 183.120 mph in the second round was fifth overall and locked him into the race.

Kyle Larson Signs Multi-Year Extension With Hendrick Motorsports

During Daytona 500 Media Day Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports announced a multi-year contract extension for Kyle Larson that will see him stay in the No. 5 Chevrolet through the rest of the decade.

Photos are courtesy of Nigel Kinrade Photography.

Have news for Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com with a promising lead or tip.

Frontstretch Videos:

Kyle Busch on NASCAR Parity at Daytona 500: "It's an 80% Luck Game"

Shane van Gisbergen Recalls Watching the Daytona 500 Before Joining NASCAR

Corey Heim Locks Into Daytona 500 After Incredible Qualifying Run: "Awesome on [the Team's] Part"

Justin Allgaier Discusses Daytona 500 Qualifying Pressure: "I Would Love to Make Wednesday Exciting"

This is just a sampling of the videos that we uploaded to our YouTube channels from Daytona Wednesday. For more from Daytona, or from other race weekends, be sure to subscribe to our suite of YouTube channels (Frontstretch, Frontstretch Grassroots, Frontstretch Plus and FS Open Wheel) and don't forget to click the bell to be notified of future videos.

Today at Frontstretch:

Let’s See If NASCAR Means What They Say

by Mike Neff

Eyes on O’Reilly: Drivers & Teams to Watch After the ‘Weirdest Offseason Ever’

by James Krause

Truckin’ Thursdays: The 2026 Season Begins with Stacked Daytona Entry List

by Anthony Damcott

NASCAR TV Schedule This Week: Qualifying, Duels, Daytona 500

by Phil Allaway

Reel Racing: ‘Ram: Race for the Seat’ Finalizes Kaulig’s Truck Lineup With 8-Episode Miniseries

by Adam Cheek

Through The Gears: NASCAR Betting Odds for the Daytona 500

by Wyatt Watson

Bryce Applegate Confident Ahead of Attempting ARCA Debut at Daytona

by Mark Kristl

ARCA Preview: General Tire 200 at Daytona

by Josh Calloni

Tomorrow at Frontstretch.com:

We'll breakdown the America 250 Duels and preview the three NASCAR races from Daytona.

Talk Back!

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