NASCAR Unveils 2026 Schedule: Shocking Changes, New Tracks, and a Revamped Playoff Format!
In a stunning announcement that has fans buzzing, NASCAR has officially released its 2026 schedule for all three national divisions, including the much-anticipated Cup Series. This year’s lineup is packed with jaw-dropping changes that are sure to shake up the racing world, including the introduction of brand-new tracks, unexpected date shifts, and a complete overhaul of the playoff structure.
Gone are the days of international excitement, as NASCAR confirms that both the Mexico City race and the Chicago Street Course have been axed from the 2026 calendar. In their place, racing enthusiasts will welcome a thrilling new street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. This marks a significant pivot for the league, as 2026 will feature no international Cup races, bringing the focus back to home turf.
Among the most shocking developments is the reduction of road courses from six to five, with the iconic Watkins Glen being relocated from the summer heat to an early May slot for the first time ever! Fans will also witness a back-to-back showdown at San Diego and Sonoma, igniting a fierce competition in the heart of California.
But that’s not all! The beloved Chicagoland Speedway is making a triumphant return to host a Cup race for the first time since 2019, filling the void left by the Chicago Street Course. In a nostalgic twist, the legendary North Wilkesboro track will also make headlines by hosting a points-paying Cup race for the first time since 1996, following its successful revival during the All-Star Race.
Dover Motor Speedway, a long-standing fixture in NASCAR history, is undergoing a radical transformation as it relinquishes its points race status to become the host for the All-Star Race for the very first time. This marks the end of an era, as Dover has been a staple for points-paying Cup races since 1969.
Fans won’t want to miss the early March race at Darlington, marking the earliest Cup event at the historic track in over two decades. The playoffs, too, will showcase a fresh format: the Homestead-Miami Speedway returns as the season finale for the first time since 2019, while Las Vegas shifts from the Round of 8 to the Round of 12, paving the way for Phoenix to kick off the Round of 8.
After a grueling 2025 season that saw only one off-weekend and a staggering 28 weeks of continuous Cup racing, NASCAR is granting a small reprieve in 2026 with an additional off-week in early August. The NASCAR Truck Series is set to make history by teaming up with IndyCar for the season opener at St. Pete, debuting on this prestigious stage.
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series prepares for a rebranding as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, it will bid farewell to Portland, which has been removed from the schedule. To cap it all off, fans can look forward to a thrilling triple-header weekend in San Diego, where all three divisions will take center stage.
With the 2026 NASCAR schedule promising a rollercoaster of emotions and unpredictable turns, it’s clear that the race to the finish line is only just beginning! Buckle up, because this season is shaping up to be one for the history books!
