NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson has confirmed he will miss the Knoxville Nationals in 2026 due to a clash with the NASCAR schedule. The Cook Out 400 weekend at Richmond Raceway overlaps with the Knoxville event, ending Larson’s streak of participation in the prestigious sprint car race. Known for his passion for dirt racing, Larson regards the Nationals as a highlight of the year in Tennessee.
Last week, NASCAR announced its 2026 Cup Series calendar, finalizing dates that unfortunately coincide with the Knoxville Nationals. The event, highly regarded in sprint car racing circles and often called “The Granddaddy of Them All,” will run from August 12 to 15, a week later than usual. Larson, a three-time winner who has competed nine consecutive times, shared his acceptance of the scheduling conflict.
Kyle Larson Accepts Changes but Prioritizes NASCAR Commitments
According to FloRacing’s Kyle McFadden, Larson has been a consistent figure at Knoxville. However, he acknowledged that the change in dates removes the possibility of attending without adjusting the NASCAR schedule. Larson told reporters,
“I forgot that Knoxville was moving their date back,”
according to Bob Pockrass.
He added,
“When I had originally seen the schedule a few weeks ago, I was like, ‘Oh, this is good, I’ll be able to spend a lot of time there’. But yeah, it is kinda what it is.”
Addressing the inevitability of the conflict, Larson concluded,
“It’s fine, it shouldn’t [the schedule] revolve around me anyway.”
Details on the Knoxville Nationals and NASCAR Richmond Weekend
The 65th Knoxville Nationals is scheduled to take place in mid-August, from the 12th through the 15th, marking a shift from its traditional timing. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Cup Series event at Richmond Raceway is set for Saturday, August 15, with qualifying on the preceding Friday. This overlap directly impacts Larson’s ability to compete in both.
This scheduling clash places Larson in a difficult position between his commitments to NASCAR and his dedication to sprint car racing. It highlights the ongoing challenges drivers face when balancing multiple racing disciplines that share calendar dates.
