The 2026 Daytona 500 will make history before drivers take the green flag. NASCAR confirmed that the total purse for the Cup Series season opener stands at $31,045,575, the largest payout ever for the race.
The event marks the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and continues its role as NASCAR’s premier event. Officials also announced the race is sold out for the 11th straight year, with fans expected to fill the venue once again.
The record-setting purse reflects the continued growth of the race and its place on the motorsports calendar.
NASCAR lists the purse as covering payouts tied to finishing positions, along with charter compensation for participating teams. The race is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, with a 2:30 p.m. ET start time.
Record $31 Million Purse Sets New Benchmark for Daytona 500
The $31,045,575 purse surpasses last year’s total of $30,331,250 and sets a new high for the race. The increase continues a steady rise in prize money for NASCAR’s biggest event and reinforces the Daytona 500’s standing as one of the most important races in motorsports.
The biggest race deserves the biggest prize. 💰 pic.twitter.com/1ZjH83wJ3C
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 11, 2026
The purse covers payments across the field rather than focusing only on the winner. NASCAR distributes earnings based on finishing position while also including charter-related compensation for eligible teams. This structure ensures that every qualifying team earns a share of the total payout.
The 2026 race will feature a full field competing for the historic prize pool at the start of a new NASCAR season.
Estimated Winner Earnings and Payout Structure
The winner receives 5.160 percent of the total purse. Based on this year’s payout, that equals about $1,601,951.67 for the winning driver and team. Second place is projected to earn roughly $1,262,623.54, with payouts decreasing through the rest of the field.
Even the final finisher is expected to receive about $275,063.80. The broad distribution highlights the financial value of simply making the starting lineup for the Daytona 500.
One entry will not receive prize money. Jimmie Johnson is competing as the 41st car under the Open Exemption Provisional, which guarantees a starting position for notable drivers but does not include purse earnings or championship points.
Sold-Out Crowd Adds to Historic NASCAR Cup Series Event
The financial milestone arrives alongside strong fan demand. Daytona International Speedway confirmed that all grandstand tickets and camping spots are sold out for the race, extending the event’s sellout streak to 11 consecutive years.
Organizers expect more than 100,000 fans to attend, continuing a long-standing tradition for the season-opening event. The combination of a packed venue and a record purse places added attention on the 2026 race as teams prepare for the start of the championship schedule.
With the largest purse in the event’s history and another capacity crowd expected, the 2026 Daytona 500 will open the NASCAR Cup Series season with significant financial stakes for every team in the field.
NASCAR Cup Series 2026 Daytona 500 Prize Money: What Is the Purse?