All Confirmed Dates on the 2026 NASCAR Schedule (Complete)
What’s Happening? As we roll into the 2025 NASCAR season, rumors and confirmations for the 2026 NASCAR National Series Schedules will…
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is out, featuring a short yet impactful list of changes, both expected and rumored, and already confirmed. Among these are changes to the All-Star race, off weekends, and two returning tracks.
First look at the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, according to multiple sources briefed on NASCAR's plans. https://t.co/1uFg6uyLVo
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) August 19, 2025
In what is now a yearly tradition, Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic has released a first look at the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The schedule is far from the dramatic overhaul of recent years, though three venues that did not receive a point-paying race in 2025 will be on the schedule.
First and foremost, there are some things to keep in mind. NASCAR has already announced that Phoenix will continue to host a playoff race in 2026, while Homestead-Miami Speedway will host the finale. Officials also previously confirmed that the Chicago Street Circuit will not return to the schedule, and San Diego will host its first street race.
Regarding the San Diego Street Circuit, NASCAR also confirmed in July that it will not maintain the Jul. 4 race weekend previously held by the Chicago Street Circuit. Instead, that race weekend will go to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet for its first NASCAR race since 2019. This means that the San Diego Street Race at Naval Base Coronado will essentially replace Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (another long rumored removal) on the schedule.
Bianchi also confirmed another rumor that Dover Motor Speedway will lose its last points-paying race in exchange for the All-Star Race. In exchange, Dover gives its points date to North Wilkesboro Speedway for its first points race since 1996, and continues its status as an active track since 2022.
This schedule also proves notable; a rumor is the removal of Iowa Speedway, to which Bianca says, “There was never any consideration that Iowa would not have a date.”
As far as reshuffling goes:
What’s Happening? As we roll into the 2025 NASCAR season, rumors and confirmations for the 2026 NASCAR National Series Schedules will…
In perhaps the most notable of the regular season weekend shifts, Watkins Glen will host its first spring race weekend, while New Hampshire moves out of the playoffs and back to the spring, allowing Homestead to rejoin the Playoff schedule. Richmond takes Watkins Glen’s slot, with New Hampshire taking their 2025 slot before Daytona.
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule, per The Athletic, is as follows:
2026 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs:
This is a developing story.
