New Year, New NASCAR Power Rankings! | Rockingham SOLD To IHRA

The calendar has flipped to 2026, and NASCAR’s offseason is already delivering big storylines. From an emotional update involving Denny Hamlin, to a major ownership change at Rockingham Speedway, to way-too-early Cup Series power rankings, this episode packs a lot into the first show of the new year.

• What update did Denny Hamlin share regarding his family, and why does it matter right now?
• Who is the new owner of Rockingham Speedway, and what does it mean for The Rock’s future?
• Could the IHRA’s recent moves impact stock car racing beyond drag racing?
• Which drivers land in the early 2026 Cup Series power rankings, and who tops the list?

The show opens with a positive update from Denny Hamlin, sharing that his mother is improving after this week’s tragic fire, a small but meaningful piece of good news during a difficult offseason for the NASCAR community. From there, the focus shifts to Rockingham Speedway, now under new ownership following its purchase by the International Hot Rod Association. With fresh investment, ambitious plans, and a growing footprint in oval racing, the long-term future of The Rock suddenly looks much brighter. To close things out, the episode dives into way-too-early 2026 Cup Series power rankings, breaking down recent performance trends, offseason changes, and why certain drivers and teams are better positioned than others heading into the new year. Some familiar names slide, others rise, and the defending champion sets the benchmark once again.

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