NASCAR 2026 Schedule Updates: Key Dates and Developments
As NASCAR prepares to unveil its 2026 schedule next week, preliminary insights reveal significant developments in race placements and potential changes.
Confirmed Events
The season will commence with the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, followed by the prestigious Daytona 500 on February 16. Additional confirmed races include San Diego, scheduled for June 19-21, and the championship weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway from November 6-8.
Opening Races Similar to Previous Seasons
The first five races of the 2026 season will mirror those from 2025, consisting of Daytona, Atlanta, Circuit of The Americas, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. NASCAR is also considering moving the dates for Darlington Raceway (potentially March) and Richmond Raceway (likely in May).
Mexico City Participation Uncertain
After a successful inaugural Cup Series event in Mexico City this year, speculation suggests it may be absent from the 2026 schedule due to the FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host in mid-2026. NASCAR’s Executive Vice President, Ben Kennedy, remarked, “We’re very hopeful to be back here in the future,” but acknowledged the uncertainty.
Chicagoland and Iowa Developments
Chicagoland Speedway is expected to return to the schedule with a Fourth of July weekend date. In contrast, Iowa Speedway, which recently hosted its first Cup Series race, faces ambiguity regarding its future despite full-capacity attendance.
In-Season Breaks and New Hampshire
Teams can anticipate a second in-season off weekend, tentatively planned for early August following the Brickyard 400. Additionally, New Hampshire Motor Speedway appears set to shift its race from the postseason, marking yet another scheduling change since its playoff status altered in 2018.
Potential Changes for Dover and North Wilkesboro
Reports indicate that Dover Motor Speedway might host the 2026 All-Star Race, which would enable North Wilkesboro Speedway to potentially feature a points-paying race. This would be significant, as North Wilkesboro has not hosted a points race since 1996 and remains a fan-favorite venue.
As more details emerge, the motorsports community eagerly anticipates the finalized schedule, which promises to bring excitement and familiarity to fans and teams alike.
