NASCAR Cup Series 2026 Schedule Unveiled

New venues, streaming deals, and a focus on short tracks highlight the upcoming NASCAR season.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is already underway, with Ryan Preece claiming victory at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 4th. The season will feature a diverse schedule, including races at non-traditional venues, an increased presence of streaming platforms, and a continued emphasis on historic short tracks.

Why it matters

NASCAR's willingness to experiment with new venues and broadcast partnerships signals a broader strategy to reach new audiences and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The inclusion of historic short tracks also demonstrates the sport's commitment to preserving its heritage and catering to loyal fans.

The details

The 2026 schedule includes races at diverse locations, from the oval at Daytona International Speedway to the road course at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and even a unique event at Naval Base Coronado in California. This diversification caters to a wider range of fan preferences and expands the sport's footprint. Broadcast rights are also shifting, with Prime Video securing rights to several key races, including the Coca-Cola 600, while FOX Sports and TNT will also carry portions of the season.

  • The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium took place on February 4th, 2026.
  • The Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15th, 2026.

The players

Ryan Preece

The winner of the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

Daytona International Speedway

The iconic racetrack that hosts the prestigious Daytona 500 each year.

Circuit of the Americas

A road course located in Austin, Texas that will host a NASCAR race in 2026.

Naval Base Coronado

A unique venue in California that will host a NASCAR event in 2026.

FOX Sports

A major broadcast partner for NASCAR, continuing to cover a substantial portion of the 2026 season.

Prime Video

A streaming service that has secured rights to several key NASCAR races in 2026, including the Coca-Cola 600.

TNT

A new broadcast partner for NASCAR, further fragmenting the sport's television landscape.

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What’s next

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will continue to evolve, with additional races and broadcast partnerships potentially being announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

NASCAR's 2026 schedule showcases the sport's willingness to adapt and innovate, balancing its rich heritage with a focus on expanding its reach and catering to the changing preferences of modern sports fans.