Daytona International Speedway and MotoAmerica have joined forces to elevate the 2026 Daytona 200 to new heights, making it one of the richest motorcycle races in the event’s storied history.
With a total purse of $250,000 (a 43% increase over last year), the stakes are high for the 84th running of the “Great American Motorcycle Race,” which will be held on Saturday, March 7.
The winner of this year’s Daytona 200 will earn $50,000, the second-place finisher will earn $30,000, and the third-place finisher will earn $20,000. All told, the top-three finishers in the Daytona 200 will earn $100,000, collectively.
In addition, the total purse of $250,000 will pay out to 30th position, with each rider finishing 21st through 30th earning $2,500 each.
Along with the increased purse, the 2026 Daytona 200 will award AMA Supersport National Championship points for the first time since 2014, which makes the historic race even more prestigious.
Dunlop has also added to the program as MotoAmerica’s spec-tire company will supply MotoAmerica Premier entries with 10 tires per rider. Additionally, the Speedway will pick up the Dunlop tire bill for the first international finisher in the 200.
“The Daytona 200 has always been one of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world, and with the increase in purse to $250,000 the importance of the race just took another step forward,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This year, our fans will see some of the best racers and teams in the world battling for the $50,000 winner’s check with the additional incentive of earning valuable MotoAmerica championship points. We’re looking forward to an incredible week of racing on March 5 through 7.”
The winner of the 84th running of the Daytona 200 will continue the tradition of receiving the much-sought-after Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona wristwatch.
“The Daytona 200 has always held a special place in the history of both Daytona International Speedway and in motorcycle racing as a whole,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “By significantly increasing the purse and the return of AMA National Championship points, we’re making a clear statement about how much this race matters. The Daytona 200 deserves to be a race that rewards excellence, attracts the very best riders in the world, and carries real weight for everyone who lines up on the grid. We’re proud to work with MotoAmerica to continue elevating this iconic event and ensuring it remains a career-defining win for the competitors.”
