NASCAR announces 2026 schedule without Mexico

NASCAR announced the 2026 schedules for all three national series with multiple innovations including a first-ever street race at Naval Base Coronado, the return of Championship Weekend to Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the comeback of Chicagoland Speedway as a points venue for the first time since 2019.

The 2026 schedule does not include the race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City due to logistical conflicts with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening space for the return of historic American tracks.

Naval Base Coronado hosts second Cup Series street race

The most eye-catching race on the 2026 schedule will be NASCAR San Diego, a three-day event at Naval Base Coronado scheduled for June 19-21. This will be the first NASCAR race on an active military base and the second street race in Cup Series history.

Prime Video will broadcast the Sunday event on June 21, completing its five-race window that also includes Charlotte Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, Michigan International Speedway, and Pocono Raceway.

Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue & racing innovation officer, explained: "This is a schedule that celebrates our nation's 250th anniversary with NASCAR San Diego, welcomes back Cup Series points races to Chicagoland Speedway and North Wilkesboro."

Chicagoland returns with Independence Day special

Chicagoland Speedway will return to the schedule on July 4-5 with a doubleheader featuring Cup Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity Series). TNT Sports will broadcast both races in what will be the debut of the Next Gen car on the 1.5-mile oval located in Joliet, Illinois.

Chicagoland's return was widely expected and brings NASCAR back to the Chicago market after six years of absence.

North Wilkesboro regains points race status

North Wilkesboro Speedway will experience a historic moment by hosting its first Cup Series points race in 30 years on Sunday, July 19. The track, which successfully hosted the All-Star Race for three years, reclaims its championship venue role three decades after Jeff Gordon won the last points race at that facility.

Dover receives All-Star Race for first time

The 42nd NASCAR All-Star Race will move to Dover Motor Speedway on May 15-17, becoming the first All-Star Race held on a one-mile track and the first hosted in the Northeast. FOX Sports will handle the broadcast of the event that will also include the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debuts in street races

The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will experience its first street race in more than 30 years of history with two events: the St. Petersburg Grand Prix on February 28 and NASCAR San Diego on June 19.

The St. Petersburg event will be particularly special as it takes place the same weekend as the NTT IndyCar Series season opener, creating a joint event between both categories.

Homestead-Miami reclaims Championship Weekend

Championship Weekend will return to Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 6-8 after six years at Phoenix Raceway. The South Florida track previously hosted the event from 2002 to 2019.

Jusan Hamilton, managing director of competition operations, commented: "With new events in San Diego, Chicagoland and St. Petersburg, alongside our most iconic venues, the 2026 NASCAR schedule delivers a powerful mix of new experiences and cherished traditions for race fans."

Changes in Playoffs structure

The 2026 Playoffs will experience modifications in the Round of 12 sequence. Kansas Speedway will open this phase on September 27, followed by Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 4 and closing with Charlotte ROVAL on October 11 as the elimination race.

Phoenix Raceway moves back to the Round of 8 and will be held on October 18, followed by Talladega Superspeedway (October 25) and Martinsville Speedway (November 1) to set the Championship 4 that will compete at Homestead.

Broadcast schedule defined for United States

In the United States, FOX Sports will start the season with 12 races beginning with the DAYTONA 500 on February 15. Prime Video will continue with five events, TNT Sports will take control during five races that include the In-Season Challenge, and NBC/USA Network will close with the final 14 races.

The CW will broadcast the entire O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, while FOX Sports will be home to the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in US territory.

Rockingham and Lime Rock Park maintain special dates

CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return to Rockingham Speedway during Easter weekend (April 3-4) for the second consecutive year.

Lime Rock Park, one of the oldest continuously operating road racing circuits in the United States, will maintain its July 11 date for CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

Complete NASCAR Cup Series 2026 Schedule

Complete NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series 2026 Schedule

Complete NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series 2026 Schedule