The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is gearing up for an exciting season, with the campaign beginning in early February and concluding with the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Fans will see the return of iconic tracks and a robust television lineup, ensuring broad coverage of every race throughout the year.
Defending Champion Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports Set the Stage
Kyle Larson, driving the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, enters 2026 as the defending champion, after clinching his second career championship at Phoenix Raceway last November. Hendrick Motorsports looks to continue their strong momentum, building on a season where their drivers regularly found themselves in the winner’s circle.
Key Highlights and Returns for the 2026 Season
The season’s festivities begin with the Clash exhibition, once again held at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 1. Last season, Chase Elliott captured the victory in this preseason event. Shortly after, William Byron will aim to secure his third consecutive DAYTONA 500 win when the Great American Race is held on February 15, with green flag scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Among the most anticipated changes is the Cup Series’ return to Chicagoland Speedway, a 1.5-mile D-shaped oval making its first appearance on the calendar since 2019. Alex Bowman won the last event held there. The schedule also marks the Cup Series’ return to North Wilkesboro, which will host a points-paying race for the first time since 1996. Notably, Jeff Gordon and Terry Labonte both enjoyed victories at North Wilkesboro the last time it was part of the championship race chase, with Labonte collecting his second career title that year.
Special July 4th Weekend and Championship Finale
A unique highlight awaits over the July 4th weekend as all three NASCAR national series, including the Cup Series, compete at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. The Cup race takes place on Sunday, July 5, promising an extraordinary backdrop for mid-season competition.
The 2026 championship race brings the action back to Homestead-Miami Speedway, a venue last used for the season finale in 2019, concluding the year’s drama and excitement as drivers chase ultimate glory.
Comprehensive Broadcast Coverage Across Multiple Networks
This year’s 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule sees TV rights divided across major networks, including Fox, FS1, Prime, TNT, NBC, and USA Network. This ensures that no matter where the action unfolds—whether at the returning Chicagoland Speedway, the historic North Wilkesboro, or the traditional Daytona and Homestead stops—fans can catch each moment live and in detail.
Looking Forward to a Dynamic Season
With celebrated drivers such as Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, William Byron, Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, and defending champion Kyle Larson featured prominently in storylines and historical context, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule promises a blend of tradition, competition, and fresh excitement. As teams and drivers prepare to battle for every point and every checkered flag, fans can expect a season packed with memorable races, fueled by both nostalgia and the promise of new triumphs across NASCAR’s premier venues.
