NASCAR
NASCAR Releases 2026 Racing Schedules for Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Craftsman Truck Series
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Following months of speculation, NASCAR has officially released their 2026 racing calendars for the three National Series. Brand new and legacy venues alike highlight the coming year’s schedule for Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Craftsman Truck Series action. Some of these changes include: all three series racing at Naval Base Coronado, NASCAR Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and points racing returning to Chicagoland and North Wilkesboro Speedways.
“This is a landmark schedule that demonstrates NASCAR’s continued innovation with a strong mix of beloved venues and exciting new and returning racetracks for race fans from coast to coast,” said Ben Kennedy, EVP, Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer. “The 2026 NASCAR National Series schedules celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with NASCAR San Diego, welcome back Cup Series points races to Chicagoland Speedway and North Wilkesboro, takes the NASCAR All-Star Race to the northeast for the first time, and brings the NASCAR Championship back home to Homestead-Miami Speedway.”
The banner inaugural event for the 2026 NASCAR season will be San Diego race weekend, competing at Naval Base Coronado. This first-of-its-kind spectacle will be held in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy over June 19-21, 2026.
Alongside San Diego, Cup Series points racing will return to both Chicagoland and North Wilkesboro Speedway. The Magnificent Mile and a Half last held NASCAR competition in 2019. North Wilkesboro Speedway meanwhile last saw a points date in 1996. The famed North Carolina short track has hosted the last three All-Star Races in front of sold out capacity crowds. Both of these Cup races will be broadcast on TNT Sports. Chicagoland will be held over July 4-5 with O’Reilly and Cup Series action. North Wilkesboro will make its triumphant return July 18-19 with Trucks and Cup cars.
Speaking of the All-Star Race, the 42nd running of the $1 million exhibition will shift to Dover Motor Speedway. This marks the first northeast trek for the winner-take-all extravaganza. It will take place May 15-17 in the traditional All-Star weekend slot.
Also marking a first since 2019 is the return of NASCAR Championship Weekend to Homestead-Miami Speedway. The south Florida track hosted the season finale for all three series from 2002-2019. It makes a homecoming after much fan support. The 2026 titles will be decided November 6-8.
One final new standalone addition for the Craftsman Truck Series will be the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. The Truckers will align with the NTT IndyCar Series’ opening weekend for a historic maiden run here on Saturday, February 28.
The entire race-by-race schedule for each series can be seen below. Start times and network listings are still TBD for every race. Tickets to any race in 2026 can be found at this link.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credits to Chris Graythen/Getty Images
