*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-68f1c49e-5044-832b-a6af-220361bbd61b-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-22" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant">

Just like that, the 2026 NASCAR season is officially underway! It's great to be back at Daytona for racing action on the high banks — and we've got two episodes this week breaking down all the chaos, contact, and competition from Speedweeks.

On this episode, we cover:

The Duels — Cup drivers squared off Thursday night in two intense qualifying races. Open cars battled for the final spots in the Daytona 500, while full-time teams fought to lock in their starting positions for the Great American Race.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series — Friday marked the first race of the 2026 season, featuring a star-studded 100-lap showdown. Big names like Tony Stewart, Travis Pastrana, Cletus McFarland, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. joined the regular contenders for an exciting opener.

ARCA Menards Series — Saturday kicks off with Jake Finch, Gio Ruggiero, Bobby Dale Earnhardt, Gus Dean, Isabella Robusto, and many more ready for battle.

Plus: Pre-race garage chats with Truck drivers Jake Garcia, Clay Greenfield, and Dawson Sutton Full-length interview with Andrés Pérez de Lara Paint Scheme of the Week NASCAR History Time Discussions with Dave

All that and so much more on this action-packed episode of Splash of Gas — the 2026 season is here, and we're just getting started!