NASCAR 2026 Cup Series schedule final version released: Reports

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is reportedly out. According to The Athletic, the version being circulated is said to be the final one, bringing several major changes to the calendar.

If confirmed, the Cup Series in 2026 will reportedly feature 38 events, including 36 points races and two non-points events. The season is expected to begin on February 1 with the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and wrap up on November 8 with the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

This would be Homestead’s first time hosting the title-decider since 2019, ending Phoenix Raceway’s four-year run as the championship site. NASCAR had previously announced that the championship finale will rotate to different tracks on a yearly basis, and this appears to be the first year under that format.

One of the most prominent changes is said to be the debut of a race on a temporary street course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. If it goes ahead as reported, this would be the first NASCAR Cup event ever staged on a military installation.

Another headline change involves Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, which is reportedly set to rejoin the schedule after six years away. With those additions, the 2026 calendar is expected to drop both the Chicago Street Course and Mexico City.

NASCAR's Mexico event made history in 2025 as the first international Cup points race in decades, but scheduling and logistical challenges were cited as reasons for not continuing next year. Reports suggest both Chicago and Mexico City could return in 2027.

Another adjustment concerns the All-Star Race, which is reportedly moving to Dover Motor Speedway. If finalized, this would be Dover’s first time hosting the All-Star, while North Wilkesboro would shift back to a regular-season NASCAR points race in July.

Homestead’s reported return as the championship venue could reshape the playoffs. Phoenix, which has hosted the finale since 2020, is still part of the playoff stretch but is listed for October 18. Martinsville appears to remain the Round of 8 elimination race, keeping its familiar role one week before the championship.

Other reported changes include Watkins Glen shifting to Mother’s Day weekend, New Hampshire moving out of the playoffs to an August slot, and the addition of a second off-week in early August. That extra break is expected to help teams manage the long summer stretch.

NASCAR's Iowa Speedway is also reportedly locked into its August 9 date. Despite earlier speculation, sources indicated there was never any serious risk of the short track being dropped, with strong sponsorship and two consecutive sellouts backing its place on the calendar.

2026 NASCAR Cup Series full race schedule released

Below is the full 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, as per reports. The Athletic first released this.

Feb. 1: Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
Feb. 15: Daytona 500
Feb. 22: Atlanta (EchoPark)
Mar. 1: Circuit of the Americas
Mar. 8: Phoenix
Mar. 15: Las Vegas
Mar. 22: Darlington
Mar. 29: Martinsville
Apr. 5: Off (Easter)
Apr. 12: Bristol
Apr. 19: Kansas
Apr. 26: Talladega
May 3: Texas
May 10: Watkins Glen
May 17: All-Star Race (Dover)
May 24: Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte)
May 31: Nashville
Jun. 7: Michigan
Jun. 14: Pocono
Jun. 21: San Diego (Naval Base Coronado)
Jun. 28: Sonoma
Jul. 5: Chicagoland
Jul. 12: Atlanta (EchoPark)
Jul. 19: North Wilkesboro
Jul. 26: Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis)
Aug. 2: Off weekend
Aug. 9: Iowa
Aug. 15: Richmond
Aug. 23: New Hampshire
Aug. 29: Daytona (regular-season finale)
Sept. 6: Darlington (playoff opener)
Sept. 13: Gateway
Sept. 19: Bristol (Round 1 elimination)
Sept. 27: Kansas
Oct. 4: Las Vegas
Oct. 11: Charlotte Roval (Round 2 elimination)
Oct. 18: Phoenix
Oct. 25: Talladega
Nov. 1: Martinsville (Round 3 elimination)
Nov. 8: Homestead (Championship Race)

In a special tidbit about the San Diego race, as published on Anduril’s official website, Anduril Industries has been announced as the Official Defense Partner of NASCAR and presenting sponsor for the San Diego Weekend. The centerpiece will be the Anduril 250 “Race the Base” Cup Series street race on June 21, 2026, honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

About the author

Dipti Sood is a Motorsport journalist at Sportskeeda with over three years of experience. A Political Science graduate and aspiring law professional, her love for motorsports ignited when she began following the careers of her favorite F1 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz.

Dipti has previously worked with Sportskeeda in the US Olympics static department, which sparked her interest in sports writing. Her professional journey also includes work with a sports startup, where she honed her copywriting skills. These experiences, combined with her meticulous approach to research and fact-checking, enable her to deliver accurate, ethical, and engaging content.

To stay updated with the latest in motorsports, Dipti follows credible sources such as ESPN, Autosport, and RacingNews365, along with respected journalists like Chris Medland. She also keeps an eye on official social media handles to uncover fresh perspectives.

Outside of writing, Dipti enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts. A constructors fan with a soft spot for certain drivers, she dreams of witnessing the return of the Buddh International Circuit to the F1 calendar, bringing the excitement of Formula 1 back to India.

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Edited by Tushhita Barua