The 2027 Daytona 500 airs February 21, 2027 on FOX. Here's the date, the network, and how to watch NASCAR's biggest race free over the air with no cable or subscription.
The 2027 Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, February 21, 2027, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida — and just like every season-opener in recent years, it's airing on FOX. No simulcast, no streaming trick required: FOX is a full-power broadcast network, so NASCAR's biggest race of the year is free over the air for anyone with an antenna.
- Network
- FOX
- Date
- Sunday, February 21, 2027
- Where
- Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
- Green flag
- Daytona 500 start times have landed around 2:30 PM ET in recent years; FOX and NASCAR typically confirm the exact time closer to race week.
Why FOX, every year?
Under NASCAR's current national media rights deal, FOX carries the first half of the Cup Series season, which is why the Daytona 500 — always the season-opening race — lands on FOX year after year. The back half of the season shifts to other partners, but the 500 itself has stayed a FOX broadcast for years running.
The good news if you don't have cable
Unlike some big annual sporting events that sit behind a cable or streaming paywall, the Daytona 500 doesn't need any workaround: FOX is one of the major broadcast networks, so the entire race — practice, qualifying build-up, and the green flag itself — airs free over the air in HD, no subscription of any kind required. Pre-race coverage and undercard events sometimes air on FOX's cable side (FS1) instead, so the main 500 broadcast itself is what to check for on your local FOX affiliate.
The short version: You don't need cable or a streaming bundle to watch the Daytona 500. Point an antenna at your local FOX affiliate on February 21, 2027, and you'll get the entire race for free.
Not sure what channel FOX is where you live?
FOX affiliates broadcast on a different channel number in nearly every market. Search your city or zip code below to find your local FOX station, its exact channel number, and how strong a signal to expect — so you know well before the green flag whether your current antenna will pull it in cleanly.
We'll update this post with the entry list, starting lineup, and any schedule changes as NASCAR confirms them closer to race day.
Need help picking out an antenna to watch the race? Check out our antenna buying guide.
