With the 2026 NASCAR season just weeks away, Jaret breaks down the races that fans should have circled on the calendar. From long-awaited returns to modern crown jewels, this video examines which events are expected to have the biggest, freshest, and most important impact heading into a new year.

• Can Homestead deliver as the season finale now that it’s back in its familiar role?
• Will North Wilkesboro finally shine as a points race instead of just a novelty?
• Is Chicagoland set up perfectly for the Next Gen car and worn out asphalt?
• Which marquee events, like the Daytona 500, Coke 600, and Atlanta races, could define the season?

Jaret counts down the ten most anticipated races of 2026, touching on everything from short track optimism at Martinsville to the excitement around street racing in San Diego. The list blends tradition and experimentation, highlighting why certain races matter more than ever with evolving packages, schedule changes, and renewed fan energy. It’s a forward-looking conversation about why these weekends stand out, what could go right, and why some races simply feel bigger than others before the green flag ever drops.

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