The 2026 Victory Lane Racing O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season roared to life at Daytona International Speedway with a dramatic and tightly contested United Rentals 300. When the points were tallied, it was James Fenton who emerged on top, scoring 255 Race Points to capture the opening victory of the year. The win marks the eighth of Fenton’s career and gives Dodge an early edge in the manufacturer standings. Behind him, the margin was razor-thin, as four drivers — Jay Smogolski, Steve Ruth, Malachi Hammerle, and Jack Thesier — all posted 248 Race Points, with tie-breakers determining the final podium order. The defending champion Smogolski wasted no time asserting himself with a runner-up finish to begin his title defense.

Daytona once again proved that no lead is safe and no prediction guaranteed. Several contenders opened the year strong with top-ten performances, while others left Florida with ground to make up heading into Race Two. With 52 drivers in the field and separation measured in single-digit points throughout much of the standings, the depth of the 2026 roster was immediately on display. The season has officially begun, the championship chase is underway, and momentum is already building as the series heads to EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta.

See the full race recap on the Victory Lane Racing Facebook Page.