The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule just dropped, and it’s shaking things up in a big way. Fans are in for a wild ride with a mix of fresh venues, returning favorites, and a championship finale that’s got everyone talking. From a street race on a Navy base to a new playoff structure, here’s the lowdown on what’s coming, straight from Jordan Bianchi’s mouth.
Kicking things off, the season starts February 1 with the Clash exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium, followed by the Daytona 500 on February 15. After 36 points-paying races and a couple of showcases, the season wraps November 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. That’s a huge deal. Homestead hasn’t hosted the championship since 2019, and it’s taking over from Phoenix as NASCAR begins rotating its finale to different tracks each year. Fans who’ve been clamoring for Homestead’s return are probably doing a happy dance.
The biggest curveball? A street course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, set for June 21. NASCAR’s building a temporary circuit on an active military base, blending high-speed racing with a patriotic backdrop for the Navy’s 250th anniversary. It’s a bold move that replaces the Chicago Street Course, which won’t return in 2026. Another surprise is Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, roaring back after a six-year absence. That’s a win for fans who missed the 1.5-miler’s action.
To make room, NASCAR’s hitting pause on Mexico City and the Chicago Street Course. Mexico City’s 2025 race was historic, the first international Cup points event since the 1950s, but logistics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup pushed it off the schedule. Both venues could pop back up in 2027. Other tweaks include Watkins Glen shifting to Mother’s Day weekend in May, a big jump from its usual August slot. New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s out of the playoffs, now slotted as the second-to-last regular-season race, giving teams a different postseason vibe.
Teams will catch a break with a second off-weekend in early August, a relief after 2025’s brutal 28-race grind. And Iowa Speedway? Safe and sound for August 9, backed by sellout crowds and solid sponsors. With 38 events, including two non-points showcases, the 2026 slate balances tradition with some serious flair. The full schedule’s expected to be official soon, but this lineup’s locked in and ready to roll.
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