The biggest race of the 2026 NASCAR season is about to get underway.
The Daytona 500, the first big race of the NASCAR Cup Series season, is about to start on FOX. The race was pushed up from 3:13 p.m. E.T. to 2:13 p.m. E.T., due to incoming inclement weather in the state of Florida.
Mike Joy, 76 years old, is on the call for FOX on Sunday. His performance is already sparking a lot of reactions. Joy, who is beginning his 26th consecutive season with the network, is a fan favorite to many.
However, some believe it's time for a change. Some NASCAR fans think that the sport needs to make a big move.
San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images
Some NASCAR fans are pushing for Mike Joy to call it a career following his 26th straight Daytona 500 broadcast.
The NASCAR world thinks it's time for Joy to retire.
"Mike Joy just seems exhausted. Like he’s lost all of his…..Joy," one fan wrote.
"It's time to retire," one fan added.
"I think it might be time for Mike Joy to hang up the microphone," one fan added.
"Mike Joy may be either sick or he has allergies from the wind. Or maybe hes still recovering from the emotional Biff tribute segment," one fan added.
"Since the Fox Sports season is starting today in Daytona. I think it’s time to start talking about Mike Joy. He is nascar and did wonderful things but it’s getting as bad as watching DW on his last few seasons broadcasting. He needs to retire after the Fox coverage," one fan added.
FOX remains high on Mike Joy
It doesn't sound like FOX has any plans to replace Joy as its lead NASCAR broadcaster.
"Joy has broadcast most major forms of American motorsports for television and radio. Prior to joining FOX in 2001, he anchored CBS Sports’ coverage of the DAYTONA 500 from 1998-2000 after earning his stripes as a pit reporter for 15 years. In addition, Joy called the "Great American Race" for Motor Racing Network (MRN) Radio from 1977-’83 (as a turn announcer and anchor). The 2026 Daytona 500 marks the 47th Daytona 500 for which he has been part of live TV or radio coverage," FOX writes.
"He hosted FOX Sports’ Formula One coverage from 1998 to 2000. At CBS Sports, Joy contributed to the 1992 Olympic Winter Games coverage and called NCAA championship events in soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, gymnastics and lacrosse. He also served as a sideline reporter and halftime host for CBS college football. In 18 years with CBS, Joy called such diverse events as the Hambletonian, Pro Beach Soccer and World Cup skiing."
The 2026 NASCAR Daytona 500 broadcast is airing live on FOX.