NASCAR revealed its 2026 schedule on Wednesday, introducing several notable adjustments including a temporary street course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, the removal of the Mexico City race, the comeback of North Wilkesboro as a points-paying event, and shifting the All-Star Race to Dover. Amid these changes, Austin Cindric of Team Penske focused on a distinctive aspect: the inclusion of two off weeks during the regular season.
Cindric, who secured a playoff spot this year with a victory at Talladega, discussed on SpeedFreaks how the scheduled breaks in the 2026 lineup could transform the season for drivers and crews alike.
The Impact of Scheduled Breaks on the NASCAR Season
The NASCAR 2026 calendar includes two intentional pauses: one between the Martinsville race on March 29 and Bristol on April 12, and another following the Indianapolis race on July 26, with no Cup competition on August 2, before resuming at Iowa on August 9. Cindric praised this new approach, highlighting the relief it brings amid a demanding schedule.
When asked about the most significant features of the new season, Cindric responded,
“Number one is two off weeks. That’s badass. We need one in the middle of something.”
You think about it, we’ve been racing since Easter, which I love. I love that, but god, it is a grind for everybody involved. A lot of people I work with all have families, and those things are very important to have, have a little bit of that time off. So, I think that’s big for the whole industry to have that.
—Austin Cindric, Team Penske Driver
This acknowledgment of the physical and emotional toll racing takes on drivers, crews, and their families underscores the significance of these breaks in maintaining well-being throughout the season.
New Course Additions and Road Course Scheduling Debates
Cindric also touched on the novelty of competing on the naval base’s temporary street circuit, and he supported North Wilkesboro’s elevation to a points race, respecting its storied past. Meanwhile, the conversation around road courses remains lively. This season has seen a dominance by Shane van Gisbergen, who swept four of the five road course events run so far.
For 2026, NASCAR set the number of road course races at five, starting early in the season. Addressing the ongoing debate around the balance between ovals and road courses, Cindric stated,
“I think there’s a balance for sure and I know the conversations come up more with Shane’s success. I mean, I feel like that should be celebrated more than maybe criticized as far as taking tracks off the schedule.”
He elaborated on the need to choose road courses that fit the characteristics of NASCAR vehicles, which are heavy and powerful but not especially agile.
They do promote some sort of tire fall-off… We can get very physical… I think we need to go to circuits that complement our cars more than just destinations, speaking as like a purist and a race fan. But I know it’s more than just that.
—Austin Cindric, Team Penske Driver
Potential Reactions from Oval-Centric Veterans
With the adjustments in the schedule, especially regarding road courses and break weeks, it will be interesting to observe how NASCAR veterans known for their preference for oval tracks, such as Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski, respond to these changes. Their perspectives could influence future scheduling decisions as the sport balances tradition with innovation.
Overall, the Austin Cindric 2026 NASCAR schedule marks a shift aimed at improving driver and team welfare while maintaining competitive variety, setting a precedent that could influence how the sport structures its seasons moving forward.
