NASCAR Wants More Cup Drivers Running Xfinity Races? | 2026 Schedule Details Revealed

The 2026 NASCAR Cup schedule is already leaking out, and at the same time, NASCAR is openly considering changes that could reshape the lower series and eventually Cup itself. Eric Estepp sat down with NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell to get answers straight from the top, and the conversation touched on everything from Cup drivers racing more in Trucks and Xfinity, to possible playoff format experiments, and even engine and power unit changes for the future.

• Should Cup drivers be allowed to make more Truck and Xfinity starts, and would that actually help young drivers develop?
• Is NASCAR really planning to test new playoff formats in the lower series before bringing them to Cup, and would that confuse fans or make for better drama?
• How serious is the discussion about increasing horsepower, softer tire compounds, and even different power units for different manufacturers?
• With the Xfinity Series gaining momentum thanks to the CW and O’Reilly Auto Parts, is this the start of a brand-new era for NASCAR’s second tier?

There’s a lot to unpack here. From Dover losing ground to North Wilkesboro gaining a points race, to the balancing act of letting big names like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott dabble more in the feeder series, NASCAR is clearly in the middle of some big decisions. Eric breaks it all down and reacts directly to O’Donnell’s answers, leaving plenty of questions about what the sport will look like over the next few years.

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