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The anticipation is building as the Daytona International Speedway has officially revealed the course layout for the upcoming 2026 DAYTONA Supercross. This event is part of the prestigious Monster Energy SMX World Championship and will take place during the 85th Annual Bike Week at Daytona, presented by GEICO. With the legendary Ricky Carmichael serving as the course designer for the 19th consecutive year, racers and fans alike are eager to see what challenges await.
Ricky Carmichael, a five-time champion of the DAYTONA Supercross, is renowned for creating tracks that test the limits of the riders. This year’s design promises to be more demanding than ever, introducing unique obstacles and configurations that will push competitors to their fullest potential. Frank Kelleher, president of the Daytona International Speedway, expressed gratitude for Carmichael’s continued involvement, stating that his vision brings a blend of creativity and challenge that enhances the thrill of the event.
Course layout and unique features
The 2026 course layout is set to deliver thrilling, edge-of-your-seat racing. Riders will begin their race by navigating a right-handed turn, heading toward the pit lane, where they will encounter a series of smaller jumps leading into Turn 4, exiting the NASCAR DAYTONA track. Unlike previous years where competitors traversed the entire frontstretch, this year will feature a stadium-style triple jump, guiding riders into a challenging back-and-forth section.
Returning elements and new challenges
One of the highlights of the new design is the return of the iconic tunnel jump, which leads into a split lane area that adds complexity to the start of the race. Fans can expect a blend of high-speed sections and technical rhythm lanes, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for both the riders and spectators. As Carmichael noted, he has retained several fan-favorite features while also altering the layout to ensure this year’s course is one of the most difficult the riders will face throughout the season.
Insights from champions
Seven-time DAYTONA Supercross champion Eli Tomac shared his enthusiasm for the new track, calling it a classic Daytona design. He praised the layout for its technical aspects and how it effectively integrates various racing elements, enhancing the excitement of the main events. Tomac is looking forward to tackling the challenging layout, which he believes provides a perfect mix of speed and skill.
The last edition of the DAYTONA Supercross witnessed a historic moment as veteran racer Ken Roczen clinched his first victory at the venue after 11 attempts, with Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger finishing in the top three. This achievement not only marked a personal milestone for Roczen but also solidified his status among the legends of the sport.
Event details and ticketing information
Scheduled for February 28, 2026, the 56th annual DAYTONA Supercross will take place under the lights at the Daytona International Speedway. This event is a key feature of the 85th Annual Bike Week at Daytona, which begins on February 27 and continues through March 8. Alongside the thrilling racing action, the event will also include the DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA Short Track races.
For those interested in attending this thrilling event, tickets are available for purchase online, and fans can take advantage of holiday offers that provide discounts of up to 20%. For further details on the DAYTONA Supercross and other Bike Week activities, fans are encouraged to visit the official Daytona International Speedway website.