NASCAR Cup - Daytona II

The Daytona II NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway represents one of the premier stock car racing events on the calendar. Known officially as the Coke Zero Sugar 400, this race brings NASCAR Cup Series competition back to the famous Daytona Beach, Florida venue for a summer showdown on the high-banks. The 2026 edition continues the tradition of night racing at this superspeedway, delivering 400 miles of intense competition across 160 laps under the lights.

Circuit Details at Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway stands as a 2.5-mile tri-oval superspeedway with distinctive characteristics that define this racing venue. The turns feature 31 degrees of banking while the start/finish line carries 18 degrees of banking. The front straightaway stretches 3,800 feet and the back straightaway extends 3,000 feet. The asphalt surface accommodates approximately 101,500 spectators. The 180-acre infield includes the 29-acre Lake Lloyd. This facility has earned its nickname as the "World Center of Racing" since its construction in 1959 by William France Sr.

Race Format and Competition Structure

The Daytona II NASCAR Cup race divides the 160-lap contest into three stages. The first two stages run 65 laps each, while the final stage consists of 70 laps. This stage racing format creates multiple opportunities for strategic decisions and competition throughout the event. The superspeedway configuration produces close racing and pack dynamics that characterize this style of NASCAR Cup competition.

Teams and Drivers in the 2026 Field

The 2026 Daytona II race features 36 chartered teams competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Additional open entries come from organizations including JR Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, Garage 66, and Live Fast Motorsports. Justin Allgaier pilots the No. 40 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. Jimmie Johnson returns to competition in the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club. Connor Zilisch makes his full-time NASCAR Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing. Daniel Suarez joins Spire Motorsports for this season.

Technical Specifications for 2026

All NASCAR Cup cars at Daytona International Speedway feature mandated A-post flaps that prevent cars from lifting during spins. The material underneath these flaps must be bright orange for visibility. Chevrolet introduces a new body style for the ZL1 based on the Camaro ZL1 Carbon Performance Package accessories kit. These technical elements combine with the superspeedway package to create the racing conditions at this venue.

Historical Significance of the Venue

Daytona International Speedway replaced the old Daytona Beach Road Course when it opened in 1959. The first Daytona 500 took place on February 22, 1959, with a finish so close that officials needed 61 hours to declare Lee Petty the winner. The facility has hosted decades of NASCAR competition and other motorsports events. Lights were added in 1998, which enabled the summer race to run at night. The speedway completed the "Daytona Rising" renovation project in January 2016, modernizing facilities while maintaining the track's character.

What Makes This NASCAR Cup Event Unique

The Daytona II race provides the only opportunity during the season for NASCAR Cup teams to compete at this superspeedway configuration outside of the season opener. Night racing at Daytona International Speedway creates different conditions compared to daytime competition. The high banking and long straightaways produce sustained high speeds and pack racing throughout the field. The 2026 race continues this tradition with modern NASCAR Cup cars and a competitive field of drivers and teams. This event serves as a key test of superspeedway strategy and teamwork in the NASCAR Cup Series season.