The 2026 ARCA Menards Series kicks off this weekend with the General Tire 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 14. The race begins at 12 pm ET and will be televised on FOX and broadcast on MRN, featuring the sport’s top drivers competing on the 2.5-mile asphalt tri-oval.
Details of the Season-Opening Race at Daytona
The General Tire 200 marks the first event of the 2026 ARCA campaign and will cover 80 laps, totaling 200 miles on the historic superspeedway. This high-profile race attracts a large field, with 50 drivers entered to fill 40 available starting positions, ensuring a competitive and crowded field.
Notable Competitors Headlining the Daytona Event
Among the drivers vying for victory are prominent championship contenders such as Isabella Robusto, Thomas Annunziata, Jake Finch, Jake Bollman, and Wesley Slimp, in addition to returning race winner Gus Dean, who won in 2024. The entry list also includes NASCAR RAM Race For the Seat champion Mini Tyrrell and other experienced names like Daniel Dye, Andy Jankowiak, Andrew Patterson, Kole Raz, Jason Kitzmiller, Willie Mullins, Alli Owens, and Bobby Dale Earnhardt.
Brenden Queen, who secured last year’s win at Daytona, will not be competing in this year’s event, opening the door for new victors to emerge.
Complete Roster for the General Tire 200 at Daytona
The full group of 50 drivers signed up for the General Tire 200 represents a diverse and skilled field, promising intense competition at Daytona International Speedway. Fans can expect thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing as the ARCA Menards Series begins the 2026 season.
The ARCA season’s start at Daytona sets the stage for a highly anticipated year, with many drivers eager to make their mark early on this renowned asphalt superspeedway.
50 drivers, 40 spots. The entry list for the opening race of the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season at Daytona is here.
Full entry list: https://t.co/ujokEP21GC pic.twitter.com/gQ1DNYVxPg
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) February 6, 2026
