Exciting Changes Ahead: NASCAR’s 2026 Schedule Unveiled
NASCAR enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming 2026 season as the organization has revealed its schedule for all three national divisions. The new lineup includes noteworthy events such as the Dover All-Star Race, a long-anticipated return to Chicagoland, and a points race at North Wilkesboro. This article delves into the significant changes and adjustments that NASCAR executives, including Ben Kennedy, the executive vice president of the organization, and Jusan Hamilton, the managing director of competition operations, have discussed regarding the new schedule.
Dover All-Star Race: A Daytime Shift
One of the standout features of the 2026 calendar is the Dover All-Star Race, which is expected to be held as a daytime event due to the absence of permanent lighting at the track. Ben Kennedy elaborated, "We collaborated with Speedway Motorsports to facilitate this change. Our considerations included whether shifting the race to May would provide a better climate, particularly in terms of heat." The decision to host the All-Star Race at Dover was made after evaluating several alternative tracks, ultimately deeming it the best choice for the event.
The adjustment at Dover means that the track will not host a points race in 2026, as it will swap its position with North Wilkesboro on the schedule. To address this gap, the weekend will feature points-paying races for both the Xfinity and Truck Series, ensuring fans still get to enjoy competitive racing at the venue.
Weather Considerations at Watkins Glen
Another intriguing aspect of the 2026 schedule is the planned race at Watkins Glen International, set for May 9-10. Historically, this event has not occurred this early in the season, raising concerns about the potential impact of unpredictable weather on attendance. However, NASCAR leadership remains optimistic.
Jusan Hamilton shared his personal connection to the region, stating, "I hail from Ithaca, New York, and have spent considerable time at Watkins Glen. The timing of the race in May may indeed present a shift, but it also allows us to attract a demographic that may not typically attend during the summer months." He further noted that the average temperatures in May are usually in the low 70s, with a lower likelihood of rain compared to August, making it a viable option for racing.
Hamilton emphasized the opportunity to engage with local fans who are present during the school year, saying, "We have thoroughly analyzed weather data for this time of year, and our findings indicate that conditions are generally favorable. I believe the weather will be conducive to camping and racing, allowing us to deliver an exciting event."
NASCAR Trucks Join IndyCar at St. Pete
In a groundbreaking move, the NASCAR Truck Series will make its debut at a street course in 2026, participating in the season-opening weekend alongside IndyCar at St. Petersburg. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the Truck Series, which has not raced on a street course in its 30-year history.
The decision to include the Truck Series in this event was made with input from FOX Sports, which holds the broadcasting rights. Hamilton noted the importance of collaboration in such joint ventures, stating, "Working together allows us to learn and grow from the experience of street course racing. It’s crucial for our development series to have opportunities that align with our premier NASCAR Cup Series."
This new avenue provides drivers in the Truck Series with invaluable experience on street courses, which is essential for their progression toward the NASCAR Cup Series. Hamilton expressed enthusiasm about the potential for further collaboration with IndyCar in the future, hinting at more combined weekends ahead.
Absence of Races in the Pacific Northwest
Unfortunately, fans in the Pacific Northwest will see a gap in national-level races for the upcoming year as Portland has been removed from the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule. However, NASCAR officials are still keen on exploring opportunities to return to this region in the future.
Kennedy expressed interest in expanding NASCAR’s presence in the Pacific Northwest, stating, "We remain committed to identifying new markets for future expansion, and the Pacific Northwest is high on our list. We’ve had conversations with various track operators in the region and are eager to explore possibilities, including areas like Seattle and Colorado, which, while not on the West Coast, still appeal to us."
Despite Portland not returning to the schedule, NASCAR continues to nurture relationships with local promoters and track owners, keeping the door open for potential events in the future.
Chicagoland Speedway: Preparing for a Comeback
Chicagoland Speedway is set to rejoin the NASCAR Cup schedule in 2026 after an absence since 2019. The intermediate oval requires some maintenance before it can host races on Fourth of July weekend. NASCAR is proactive in ensuring the track is race-ready, with a facility development team already dispatched to assess the necessary improvements.
Kennedy highlighted that while the track is relatively prepared, there are still areas that require attention, particularly the SAFER Barrier foam, which will need replacement in certain sections. "We’ll also be undertaking minor touch-ups, including a fresh coat of paint, cleaning the grandstands, and renovating suite areas. Additionally, some parking lots will need repaving," he explained. The organization aims to complete these enhancements well ahead of the scheduled event in July.
Conclusion
The 2026 NASCAR schedule is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with a mix of traditional venues and innovative new partnerships. From the Dover All-Star Race to the introduction of Truck Series races on street courses, the season promises to deliver thrilling experiences for fans and drivers alike. As NASCAR continues to evaluate opportunities for growth and expansion, the future looks bright for motorsports enthusiasts across the country.
