After much anticipation and details trickling in about impending changes, the 2026 Cup series schedule is finally official.
Let’s dissect the good and the bad to come out of next year’s schedule updates.
First, here are the positive takeaways:
- GOING BACK TO CALI: Exciting addition of San Diego street race to the schedule, bringing all three of NASCAR's top series back to the important California market. It will take place at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, which should be an awesome backdrop. Chicago's street race had run its course, and I’m glad to see other exciting new additions to the schedule. Should be a fun weekend for fans and a popular one with drivers as well.
- AND BACK TO JOLIET: While I didn’t like Chicagoland back when NASCAR had races there years back (the final one was in 2019; all I remember from the years at the track was the giant orange bouncing down the track in qualifying). I always thought it was a bit of a bore with previous generation Cup cars. But, this Next Gen car races extremely well on the 1.5-mile tracks, so maybe it’s the right time to bring it back.
- NORTH WILKESBORO POINTS RACE: People wanted more than an All-Star race at North Wilkesboro, and they got it. I just hope it delivers and isn’t a snoozefest due to this car’s struggles on short tracks. The solid Bristol race this past weekend gives me some hope.
- EXTRA WEEK OFF: Drivers and teams will appreciate this. A second off weekend (in addition to Easter) lands in early August.
- HOMESTEAD FINALE: As we know from the many years we ended the season there, Homestead is a great finale location with tremendous racing. It’s only for 2026, as we’ll start a finale rotation for the years ahead, changing locations each year. I’m curious how the rotation goes moving forward. It’s nice to know it’s not locked in long-term at one place, as there are plenty of deserving tracks. Phoenix has run its course as the finale location and we needed a shakeup.
And here are the more disappointing elements of the schedule:
- ADIOS, MEXICO: Due in part to complications with the World Cup scheduling, there will be no Cup race in Mexico City in 2026. I hope it returns in 2027, as the racing was solid in the inaugural event.
- DOVER ALL-STAR RACE: This one is a head-scratcher; The race had to be moved somewhere due to North Wilkesboro getting a points race, but this may have been the worst choice possible. Let’s hope it’s not a dud, as the All-Star race is losing its luster. As a side note, I hope NASCAR boosts the purse from $1 million to something more substantial (at least $3 million, though $5 million would be even better) to raise interest in the race among fans and drivers.
- EARLY WATKINS GLEN: Moving Watkins Glen to Mother’s Day weekend is a bit strange, and way early. We’ll see if the weather cooperates.
- PLAYOFFS/POINT SYSTEM NOT CHANGING: The points system is not changing as of now, but NASCAR said they still could make changes before the 2026 season starts. And they should. At a minimum, get rid of the one-race championship battle, and make that final round be 3 or 4 races. I’m also a fan of the original Chase setup (top 10 drivers race for 10 races), but that is not likely to happen. I wouldn’t mind ending the “win and you’re in” rule, but I don’t see that changing, either.
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