The ARCA Menards 2026 schedule has been unveiled, featuring 20 races spanning 19 different tracks that showcase an exciting combination of superspeedways, short tracks, dirt venues, and road courses. The season will begin at Daytona International Speedway, while Kansas Speedway will host the final race of the year, marking its return as the championship venue for the first time since 2021.
Highlights and Changes in the 2026 Racing Calendar
The announced lineup gains attention with the return of Pocono Raceway in June and Chicagoland Speedway in July, both scheduled as companion events to NASCAR Cup Series weekends. Watkins Glen’s race, traditionally held in August, will move to May, aligning with Toledo Speedway, which returns to its classic May date. However, some familiar tracks from 2025 will be absent next year, as Charlotte Motor Speedway and Dover International Speedway do not appear on the 2026 slate. Every event in the series will be broadcast on Fox Sports, ensuring extensive coverage for fans nationwide.
ARCA president Ron Drager emphasized the significance of the schedule, stating,
“The 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule will see long-term relationships with NASCAR national series tracks… We’ll also return to traditional short-track venues… in addition to the road courses… and the two dirt tracks… It’s a great mix of tracks across the country that will provide our teams and our fans one of the most diverse schedules in American motorsports.”
Kansas Speedway stands out as the only location hosting two races — an April event and the season finale set for September 25. Traditional short tracks such as Bristol, Berlin, and Elko maintain their places on the circuit, while dirt track racing continues at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Road courses are also well represented, with races at Watkins Glen, Lime Rock Park, and Indianapolis Raceway Park.
Diverse Venues Uphold ARCA’s Rich Racing Tradition
This carefully curated combination of tracks upholds the ARCA Menards Series’ reputation for delivering a diverse and challenging racing schedule. The return of fan-favorite venues like Chicagoland, which also reappears on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series calendar, enhances the season’s appeal for drivers and supporters alike. The variety offers teams multiple technical challenges and keeps the competition intense throughout the year.
Brenden Queen’s Championship and Future Prospects
While the 2026 season will culminate at Kansas, the 2025 ARCA Menards Series closed at Toledo Speedway with Pinnacle Racing Group’s Brenden “Butterbean” Queen crowned as champion. Queen dominated the year behind the wheel of his No. 28 Chevrolet, accumulating 941 points — 85 ahead of second-place Lavar Scott. His remarkable season included nine wins, four pole positions, and 16 top-five finishes from 19 starts.
Reflecting on his achievements and growth, Queen shared,
“It’s pretty special for me. My last six years, I’ve won three Langley championships, a CARS Tour championship and now an ARCA championship. It’s really special to add my name to that list of drivers that have done it. A lot of them are in Cup or Xfinity, so it gives me a lot of hope and optimism about the future.”
Looking ahead, Pinnacle Racing Group plans to expand its program by adding a second car for the 2026 season, while Queen himself appears poised to make the leap into NASCAR’s higher national divisions. Before then, the Owens Corning 200 at Toledo Speedway will determine the 2025 season’s final standings on the half-mile paved oval, offering Queen and PRG a chance to cap off their dominant campaign in style.
What This Means for ARCA and Motorsport Fans
The 2026 ARCA Menards schedule promises an engaging season that blends tradition with innovation, spotlighting diverse track types and competitive fields. By integrating long-standing circuits with the reintroduction of fan favorites and maintaining dirt and road course challenges, the series continues to foster driver development and heighten fan enthusiasm. This carefully balanced schedule highlights ARCA’s ongoing commitment to producing one of the most varied motorsport calendars in America, setting the stage for thrilling competition throughout the year.
With key figures like Ron Drager guiding its vision and emerging champions like Brenden Queen leading the way on the track, the ARCA Menards Series remains a crucial stepping stone within American stock car racing, bridging grassroots racing with professional NASCAR circuits.
Superspeedways. Short tracks. Road courses. Dirt.
The 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule has it all. pic.twitter.com/uEgNrzsY8L
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) October 4, 2025
