Full Schedule and How To Watch 2024 Daytona Speedweeks Anywhere In The World Full Schedule and How To Watch 2024 Daytona Speedweeks Anywhere In The World

The 2024 Daytona Speedweeks will shortly begin. See the exact time, date, and instructions for watching the race online.
2026 Daytona 500
2026 Daytona 500

Every year, one question spikes in search: Can I watch the Daytona 500 for free — and legally?

The short answer: Yes, in most parts of the U.S., you can. Here’s exactly how.

Where Is the Daytona 500 Airing?

The 2026 Daytona 500 will air nationally on FOX.

That’s important. FOX is a free over-the-air broadcast network — not cable-only.

If you have a TV antenna and live within range of a local FOX affiliate, you can watch the race live at no cost.

Option 1: Watch the Daytona 500 Free With an Antenna

Best completely free option

What you need:

  • A digital HD antenna (one-time purchase, typically $20–$40)

  • A TV with a tuner

Steps:

  1. Connect antenna to your TV.

  2. Scan for local channels.

  3. Tune into your local FOX station at race time.

No subscription. No login. 100% legal.

Signal quality depends on your location, but for most metro areas, this is the simplest solution.

Option 2: Use a Free Live TV Trial (Streaming)

Several live TV streaming services that carry FOX offer free trials, typically 5–7 days.

Common options include:

  • YouTube TV

  • Fubo

  • Hulu + Live TV

  • DirecTV Stream

How it works:

  1. Sign up for a trial.

  2. Stream the race live through the service’s app.

  3. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.

Important: Always confirm your local FOX affiliate is included in your ZIP code before signing up.

This method is legal, widely used and popular for one-time events like the Daytona 500.

Option 3: Watch Through the FOX Sports App

If you already have cable or satellite:

  • Download the FOX Sports app.

  • Log in with your TV provider credentials.

  • Stream live on mobile, tablet or smart TV.

This option is not free unless you already pay for cable, but it gives you mobility.

What About Free Online Streams?

Unofficial streaming sites often appear before major sporting events. However:

  • They are illegal.

  • Streams are unstable.

  • They may expose your device to malware.

  • Video quality is inconsistent.

  • They frequently shut down mid-race.

For a four-hour race like the Daytona 500, reliability matters. Stick to legal options.

What Time Does the Race Start?

  • Green flag: 2:30 p.m. ET

  • Pre-race coverage: Typically begins around 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

  • Command to start engines: Usually 10–15 minutes before green flag

If weather becomes a factor — which has happened frequently in Daytona history — FOX will provide updates and adjusted start times.

Best Overall Viewing Option

If you want:

  • Completely free: Use an HD antenna.

  • Flexibility on multiple devices: Use a free streaming trial.

  • Highest reliability: Cable or antenna broadcast.

For most viewers, the antenna method remains the most cost-effective long-term solution, especially since FOX also carries multiple NASCAR races throughout the season.

Final Takeaway

Yes, you can watch the 2026 Daytona 500 for free — legally — in the United States.

Because the race airs on FOX, fans are not locked behind a cable paywall. Whether you choose an antenna or a streaming trial, there are safe and legitimate options available.

The Daytona 500 remains one of the few major sporting events that is still broadly accessible to American viewers.

And on race day, accessibility matters almost as much as speed.