The 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season will commence this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway with the Fresh From Florida 250, scheduled for 7:30 pm ET on Friday, February 13. The event marks the first race of the season, featuring a competitive 100-lap, 250-mile race at the renowned tri-oval track in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The Daytona track, which has been a staple in motorsports since it opened in 1959, stretches 2.5 miles per lap and continues to challenge drivers with its historic layout and high speeds.
Qualifying Session and Practice Details Leading to Race Day
The Fresh From Florida 250 will see 44 drivers competing for just 36 available starting positions. Practice sessions began on Thursday, February 12, allowing teams and drivers to fine-tune their setups ahead of Friday’s qualifying session. The qualifying results will determine the starting grid: 31 drivers will secure spots based on speed, while 5 positions will be allocated through owner points.
Last year’s winner, Corey Heim of Tricon Garage, who completed the race in two hours, nine minutes, and seven seconds, is notably absent from this year’s entry list, adding uncertainty to the competition.
Qualifying Lineup Revealed Ahead of Race
Bob Pockrass, a motorsports journalist with FOX Sports, has shared the qualifying order for the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona. The session begins with Timmy Hill, owner and driver at Hilli Motorsports, taking the first lap. The final qualifying run will be performed by Andres Perez de Lara, who drives for Niece Motorsports.
The exact order in which all drivers will qualify remains a key factor in setting the tone for race day, as positioning at Daytona often influences race strategy and outcomes significantly.
Implications of the Season Opener on the 2026 Truck Series
The Fresh From Florida 250 is not only the start of the NASCAR 2026 Truck Series but also a critical indicator of driver and team readiness for the season ahead. With a highly competitive field and limited grid spots, qualifying becomes crucial for drivers aiming to make an early statement. The event will be broadcast live on FS1 and MRN, allowing fans to witness the drama as it unfolds on the historic Daytona track.
I put owner points in red in this truck qualifying order. There are 31 spots on speed and then five on owner points (including possible past champion provisional) and four possible RAM provisionals: pic.twitter.com/LxLbvBprk1
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2026
