NASCAR Cup Series 2026: Schedule, Dates & Winners

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is set, promising a season of high-speed action across a diverse range of tracks. Beginning with the unique atmosphere of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Wednesday, February 4th, the series will culminate with the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 8th.

Early Season Thrills

The season kicks off with a non-traditional event at Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile asphalt oval typically used for local racing. Ryan Preece secured the win in this opening event. Following this, the focus shifts to Daytona International Speedway for the America 250 Florida Duels on Thursday, February 12th, setting the stage for the iconic Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15th. These early races are broadcast on Fox and FS1.

Did You Know? The NASCAR Cup Series schedule includes a race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California on Sunday, June 21st.

Mid-Season Variety

The schedule demonstrates a commitment to varied racing surfaces. After Daytona and a subsequent race at Echopark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, the series heads to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 1st, offering a road course challenge. What we have is followed by races at Phoenix Raceway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, and Martinsville Speedway, each presenting unique demands on drivers and teams. Coverage during this stretch is primarily on Fox and FS1.

Expanding Broadcast Partners

As the season progresses, broadcast coverage expands to include Prime Video and TNT. The Coca-Cola 600 on May 24th will be broadcast on Prime, marking a new partnership for NASCAR. TNT will then take over coverage for several races in July, including events at Chicagoland Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Expert Insight: The inclusion of races on multiple broadcast platforms—Fox, FS1, Prime Video, and TNT—indicates NASCAR’s strategy to broaden its reach and engage a wider audience. This diversification of media partners could lead to increased viewership and revenue opportunities for the sport.

Championship Chase

The final stretch of the season, beginning in August, features races at Iowa Speedway, Richmond Raceway, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway before returning to Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 29th. The playoffs will then lead to the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8th, broadcast on NBC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season?

The first race is the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Wednesday, February 4th.

Where is the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race held?

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race is held at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida on Sunday, November 8th.

Which networks will broadcast the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series races?

The races will be broadcast on Fox, FS1, Prime Video, TNT, and NBC.

With a diverse schedule and expanded broadcast coverage, what impact do you think these changes will have on the future of NASCAR viewership?