NASCAR unveiled the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule on Wednesday, revealing a lineup that has generated both praise and criticism among fans and insiders. The changes highlight strategic decisions affecting key venues, drivers, and the overall flow of the racing season, making the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule a hot topic in the motorsport community.
Major Successes in the 2026 Schedule
One of the standout decisions in the new schedule is the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway to hosting a points race for the first time since 1996. The historic North Carolina short track has made a strong comeback after sitting largely dormant for decades, gaining popularity since reopening for the All-Star Race three years ago. Despite its comparatively small seating capacity, North Wilkesboro has consistently attracted large crowds, outperforming many other NASCAR venues in attendance for the 2025 season.
While the racing quality at the 0.625-mile oval still requires refinement, the venue’s resurgence and growing fan enthusiasm justify its inclusion for a championship points event. This move has been celebrated by fans and commentators alike, signaling a step forward for NASCAR’s connection to its traditional roots.
The big news for me on the 2026 @NASCAR schedule is @NWBSpeedway getting a points race! I can’t wait to call 400 laps of night racing there on July 19. It’s massive for the surrounding community, and every fan of NASCAR is going to feel like a winner next July.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 20, 2025
Another welcomed change is the decision to move the Cup Series finale back to Homestead-Miami Speedway, a venue that previously hosted the championship race before being replaced by Phoenix Raceway in 2020. While Phoenix has handled Championship Weekend responsibly, the introduction of the Next Generation Cup Series car in 2022 has reduced overtaking opportunities on shorter tracks like Phoenix, resulting in less excitement.
Homestead’s high-banked 1.5-mile layout is expected to produce a much more competitive and thrilling finish, as evidenced by last year’s exciting final lap at the South Florida track. Fans can look forward to potentially even more dramatic moments when the championship is decided under the lights at Homestead.
Problematic Choices in the 2026 Lineup
Among the most questionable changes is scheduling the All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway. Traditionally a central fixture on the Cup Series calendar, Dover has seen its prominence decline since 2021, hosting just one points race annually. Although Dover will lose this lone points date, it will now host the much-hyped $1-million-to-win exhibition.
Unfortunately, racing product at Dover has diminished in entertainment value since the Next Generation car took over, leading to declining attendance. Expectations that the All-Star Race will transform Dover into a must-watch event seem overly optimistic, especially since the track does not have permanent lighting. This means the All-Star Race will most likely revert to a daytime event for the first time since 1991, which many see as a downgrade from the usual night racing atmosphere.
Ben Kennedy says the Dover All-Star Race will “more than likely be a day race.” They don’t have lights there, obviously, so would have to be some sort of temporary lighting.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) August 20, 2025
The schedule also moves the Mother’s Day race from Kansas Speedway to Watkins Glen, another controversial decision. Cup Series racing on Mother’s Day is itself a departure from long-standing tradition, and placing it on a road course adds to the discontent among many drivers and fans. Shane van Gisbergen’s recent dominance on road courses has intensified criticism around these events, drawing attention away from the holiday’s significance and the families of those involved in the sport.
This scheduling choice raises concerns about the priorities NASCAR is setting, particularly regarding how the drivers’ families and personal commitments are respected during the racing season.
Assessing the Impact of the 2026 Schedule Choices
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule reflects a clear attempt to balance nostalgia with modern competitive realities, as seen in North Wilkesboro’s return and Homestead’s reinstatement as the season finale. These moves are poised to invigorate fan interest and deliver more thrilling racing moments toward the year’s end.
However, the decision to assign the All-Star Race to Dover and relocate the Mother’s Day event to Watkins Glen could dampen enthusiasm among both drivers and spectators. Dover’s lack of lighting and recent struggles with racing quality raise doubts about whether it can host one of NASCAR’s premier exhibition events effectively. Similarly, placing a holiday race on a road course risks alienating loyal audiences and complicates drivers’ schedules on a day traditionally reserved for family.
Overall, these scheduling decisions will shape conversations throughout the 2026 season, influencing fan engagement, driver satisfaction, and the sport’s direction as NASCAR navigates its evolving landscape.
