As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, the schedule has already seen the removal of two venues that were part of the 2025 calendar: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which hosted only a single race before its exit, and the Chicago Street Course, the series’ inaugural street circuit introduced in 2023. Both tracks are absent from the latest schedule, continuing a pattern of changes that affect the NASCAR Cup Series schedule ahead of the new year.
In place of the Chicago Street Course, Chicagoland Speedway will return, marking its first appearance on the schedule since 2020 and potentially its first actual Cup Series race hosting since 2019, if the event proceeds as planned. Meanwhile, NASCAR is maintaining the street circuit concept with a new race set at Naval Base Coronado, which replaces the former Mexican event at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Adjustments to Popular Playoff and Exhibition Venues
Just days remain before the season’s first on-track event, and further alterations to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule have surfaced that could double the number of track removals. One notable change is the playoff race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Since 2018, the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval hosted this race, but for 2026, it will return to the traditional oval layout. Fans have long advocated for this move, especially after the novelty of the Roval diminished following the introduction of the Next Gen cars in 2022.
Meanwhile, Bowman Gray Stadium—the “Madhouse” and a surprising addition for 2025—may be facing similar uncertainty. The venue has hosted the preseason Cook Out Clash exhibition race, with positive reception. However, its early February timing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, presents significant weather risks. Though the 2025 event proceeded without incident, this year’s edition has already undergone schedule changes due to an incoming major snowstorm forecasted to bring up to a foot of snow.
Weather Challenges Disrupt Racing Plans at Bowman Gray Stadium
The practice and qualifying sessions, originally set for Saturday on Bowman Gray’s tight four-turn, quarter-mile track, were postponed to Sunday due to severe weather predictions. Additionally, four 25-lap heat races planned for qualifying were completely canceled. The new plan calls for Sunday practice and qualifying without heat races, advancing the top 20 qualifiers directly to the main event. There will still be a 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier, granting entry to two more drivers for the 200-lap main race. One driver will earn a provisional spot using the 2025 point standings, resulting in a 23-car field.
In worst-case scenarios, the severe weather could force the full race to be postponed further or possibly canceled. NASCAR has an off weekend before heading into Speedweeks and the season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, allowing some flexibility if rescheduling becomes necessary. However, with NASCAR now involved in operations at Bowman Gray, avoiding the venue entirely seems unlikely, even if weather conditions remain a concern.
Growing Doubts Over Winter Scheduling and Calls for Change
Running a race in North Carolina during early February, when snowstorms are possible, has drawn increased scrutiny. Although other regions can experience harsher winter weather conditions, the current development has amplified calls to return the Cook Out Clash to its longstanding home at Daytona International Speedway. Prior to 2021, the Clash had always been held at Daytona, except in 2021 when it shifted to the track’s road course for variety after 42 years on the oval.
The shift of the Clash to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2022 met expected criticism, though the race was viewed as a success and returned in 2023. Nevertheless, due to heavy rain forecasts leading to an earlier race date in 2024, the event was relocated to Bowman Gray Stadium. Now, with a potential blizzard threatening the 2026 Clash at the same venue, weather concerns remain a central obstacle before the season truly gets underway.
One wry question amid the snow threat: does the Vortex Theory apply to snow?
Broadcast Details and Next Steps Amid Weather Uncertainty
The adjusted schedule for Sunday includes live practice and qualifying coverage on Fox Sports 2 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The heat races have been canceled, but Fox will broadcast the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier and the 200-lap main event starting at 6:00 p.m. ET. NASCAR fans face an anxious wait to see if the races at Bowman Gray Stadium will proceed as planned or if further delays or cancellations are inevitable.
With multiple track removals and weather-related disruptions impacting the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, the 2026 season is off to a tense and uncertain start. The developments underline the challenges NASCAR faces balancing innovation in venues with practical considerations like weather and fan expectations as the sport moves forward.
