Double The Money: 2026 Daytona 200 Winner To Pocket $50,000
The Points-Paying 2026 Daytona 200 Will Feature A Purse Of $250,000 For “The Great American Motorcycle Race” On March 7
IRVINE, CA (January 8, 2025) – 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 percent increase over last year, the stakes are high, with the winner of the 84th running of the “Great American Motorcycle Race” taking home a $50,000 payday.
And the money doesn’t stop at the top as the three who ultimately stand on Victory Lane following the March 7 running of the Daytona 200 will earn $100,000 collectively. In addition to the $50,000 for finishing first, second place will take home $30,000, with the third-place finisher third pocketing $20,000.
The purse will pay out to 30th position, with 21st through 30th earning $2500.
In addition to the increased purse, the 2026 Daytona 200 will also be the first 200 since 2014 to pay AMA National Championship points, making the already prestigious race even more so.
Dunlop has also jumped in to add to the program with MotoAmerica’s spec-tire company to 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 weekend of racing, March 5-7.”
In addition, 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 watch.
“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.”
Additional prize money will be handed out pre-race as MotoAmerica has announced that it will host the fifth annual Pit Stop Challenge at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, March 5. The Pit Stop Challenge features the top teams in the Daytona 200 showcasing who has the fastest pit crew.
One of the newest traditions for winners of the Daytona 200 in recent years is participation in the Daytona Champions Program during the DAYTONA 500 weekend. The winners of some of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world across multiple disciplines, including the Rolex 24 At Daytona, DAYTONA Supercross, American Flat Track, and Mission King Of The Baggers, take part in a VIP experience and media opportunities for “The Great American Race.”
About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. Some of the exciting racing events include January’s Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and Roar Before The Rolex 24, February’s DAYTONA 500 and Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth, March’s Bike Week At DAYTONA featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, the August Coke Zero Sugar 400 weekend, and much more. The Speedway grounds are also used extensively for other events that include concerts such as Welcome to Rockville, sporting events including CLASH DAYTONA, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
