The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season officially kicks off on Sunday, February 15, with the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. Over the course of a 36-race schedule, events will take place across the United States, concluding on November 8 at Homestead-Miami, where the season’s champion will be crowned.
Following Kyle Larson’s narrow victory for his second NASCAR Cup Series title in 2025, coming ahead of Denny Hamlin after the championship race at Phoenix, fans are eager to see if Larson can defend his championship or if Hamlin or another contender will rise to the top in 2026.
Complete 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Calendar and Locations
The 2026 season begins with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Wednesday, February 4 at 6 p.m. Eastern, where Ryan Preece took the win last year. Two days before the Daytona 500, NASCAR will hold the America 250 Florida Duel races on Thursday, February 12, at Daytona International Speedway, starting at 7 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. respectively.
The Daytona 500 on February 15, scheduled for 2:30 p.m., remains the flagship event to launch the season. The following weekend, on February 22, the series moves to Echopark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, for the Autotrader 400, followed by the DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, on March 1.
Other notable early-season events include the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, on March 8 at 3:30 p.m., and the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15 at 4 p.m. NASCAR visits traditional tracks like Darlington Raceway in South Carolina for the Goodyear 400 on March 22, and Martinsville Speedway in Virginia for the Cook Out 400 on March 29.
April features several key dates, including the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee on April 12 and the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City on April 19. Talladega Speedway in Alabama hosts the Jack Link’s 500 on April 26, a race known for its unpredictability and high-speed pack racing.
The month of May starts with the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on May 3 and the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International in New York on May 10. The prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race takes place at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware on May 17.
Sunday evening races include the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina on May 24 at 6 p.m., with broadcasts on Prime, and the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee, on May 31 at 7 p.m.
June’s slate is packed with events such as the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 7, the Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania on June 14, and the Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado near San Diego, California, on June 21. Sonoma Raceway in California will host the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on June 28.
The schedule extends into July with a NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, set for July 5 at 6 p.m.
Implications for the Season and Fan Expectations
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Schedule covers a diverse range of tracks, from high-speed superspeedways and traditional ovals to challenging road courses, ensuring an exciting season for drivers and fans alike. With Kyle Larson defending his title and Denny Hamlin seeking to overcome past near misses, the season promises dramatic competition across all venues.
As the schedule progresses, each race will contribute to the unfolding championship battle, drawing attention to key locations like Talladega Speedway in Alabama, the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, and the season finale at Homestead-Miami. Fans can expect a mixture of strategy, speed, and skill as drivers compete for victories throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
“The season is shaping up to be a thrilling one with many top contenders ready to battle it out on the track.” ?Ryan Preece, NASCAR Driver
“Every race on this schedule offers a unique challenge that will test the drivers’ abilities and the teams’ strategies.” ?Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
With the full NASCAR 2026 Cup Schedule released and broadcast details available, enthusiasts can plan their viewing or track attendance to witness top-tier motorsport action throughout the year.
