NASCAR Announces 2026 Schedule Highlights New and Returning Venues
NASCAR has confirmed its 2026 Cup Series schedule, which includes significant changes and the return of key venues. Notably, the series will visit San Diego for the first time, racing on an active military base. Chicagoland Speedway rejoins the schedule, while Dover Motor Speedway will not host a points-paying race for the first time since 1969, although it will feature the All-Star Race.
As a result of Dover’s All-Star designation, North Wilkesboro Speedway is set to receive a points-paying event, marking its first such race since 1996. The season kicks off with the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, followed by the Daytona 500 on February 15, and concludes with the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Cup Series teams will experience an additional off weekend post-Brickyard 400 in early August. The opening segment of the schedule will be broadcast by Fox Sports, with Prime Video covering five races starting with the Coca-Cola 600, including the inaugural San Diego event. An in-season tournament will take place during the TNT Sports segment, starting at Sonoma Raceway.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This is a landmark schedule… celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary with NASCAR San Diego, welcoming back Cup Series points races to Chicagoland Speedway and North Wilkesboro.”
2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule (Notable Races):
- February 1: The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
- February 15: Daytona 500
- May 17: Dover Motor Speedway (All-Star Race)
- June 21: San Diego
- August 2: Off weekend
- November 8: Homestead-Miami Speedway
This schedule balances tradition and innovation, reflecting NASCAR’s ongoing evolution in the motorsports landscape.
