Two massive shifts are quietly brewing for the 2026 NASCAR schedule — and this time, it’s not just a rumor. A new California street race is all but confirmed, while a familiar 1.5-mile oval might be clawing its way back from the dead. Between political hurdles, ratings slumps, and fan demand, the calendar shakeup could define the sport’s next chapter.
San Diego represents the next phase of NASCAR’s big-city street circuit experiment, but it may come at the cost of two others. Mexico City might be out altogether, and Chicago’s lackluster response to the street race could open the door for a long-awaited return to Joliet. Between Dale Jr.’s podcast teases and visible activity at Chicagoland, this isn’t just noise anymore — it’s groundwork. 2026 could be the year where past and future collide.
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