The highly anticipated 2026 Daytona 500 is set to take place on Sunday, February 15th at 2:30 p.m. ET at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. With 45 entries vying for a spot in Speedweeks, the field will be narrowed down to 41 cars through qualifying rounds and the Duels.
Currently, 37 drivers have secured their spots, leaving eight drivers to battle it out for the final four positions. Two spots will be determined through single-car qualifying, which will also set the front row, while the remaining two will be decided in the intense Duel races.
The Daytona 500 is known for its pack racing, where clarity is key. Paint schemes that are bold, eye-catching, and able to withstand the high-speed action on the track often steal the spotlight, regardless of the final outcome. While some teams will stick with their traditional liveries, there are several cars that will debut new and exciting paint schemes for the season opener.
Here are the top five paint schemes to look out for in the 2026 Daytona 500:
5. Michael McDowell – No. 71 MODO Casino Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Michael McDowell’s No. 71 Chevy sports a striking MODO Casino design that is sure to turn heads at Daytona. With a mix of red, white, and blue combined with a vibrant collage of card suits and graphics, this car is impossible to miss on the track.
4. Noah Gragson – No. 4 Rush Truck Centers Front Row Motorsports Ford
Noah Gragson’s Rush Truck Centers Ford features a bold black and yellow color scheme with a simple yet impactful design. The heavy contrast and clear branding make this car stand out under the lights at Daytona.
3. Austin Dillon – Bass Pro Shops/Winchester No. 3 RCR Chevrolet
Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevy pays homage to classic NASCAR heritage with deep, outdoorsy tones and orange accents. The balanced layout and prominent logos make this paint scheme a fan favorite at Daytona.
2. Shane van Gisbergen – No. 97 SuperFile Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Chevy brings a modern, tech-inspired look to the track with its neon green lightning on a black base. This eye-catching design matches the driver’s personality and sets him apart from the competition.
1. Denny Hamlin – No. 11 National Debt Relief Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota features a clean and patriotic paint scheme with a white base and navy and red accents. The sharp design, along with the prominent National Debt Relief logo, adds a touch of elegance to this aggressive racing machine.
As the countdown to the 2026 Daytona 500 begins, fans can expect a thrilling race filled with excitement and fierce competition. Stay tuned for all the action as the best drivers in NASCAR battle it out for victory on the Great American Race track.
