DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The qualifying battles for the 2026 Daytona 500 will carry a patriotic new title this February, merging Florida’s racing roots with a statewide push for highway safety.
Daytona International Speedway officials announced a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to present the “America 250 Florida Duel at DAYTONA” on February 12, 2026.
The event, which determines the starting lineup for the 68th running of the Daytona 500, is now a centerpiece for Florida’s commemoration of the nation’s semiquincentennial. Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who chairs the state’s America 250 commission, highlighted the venue’s significance, noting that Florida’s racing heritage began with speed trials on the sand in 1903.
While the sponsorship honors the past, FDOT officials are using the platform to address present-day safety concerns.
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The agency is leveraging the high-visibility event to promote its “Target Zero” initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue emphasized that the partnership allows the state to celebrate the thrill of professional racing while reminding fans that high speeds should remain on the track, not on public roadways.
FDOT will maintain a presence throughout Speedweeks to distribute safety information, specifically targeting impaired driving, distraction, and seatbelt use.
Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway, welcomed the collaboration as a way to kick off the 2026 season while supporting local efforts to keep Volusia County roads safe.
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