NASCAR Announces Bold 2026 Schedule Changes: Homestead Returns, San Diego Debuts
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is officially set, bringing with it a wave of changes poised to reshape the racing landscape. Released last month, the calendar features a return to classic venues, the introduction of innovative race locations, and adjustments to the playoff structure, promising an exciting season for fans.
Championship Finale Returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway
In a significant shift, NASCAR’s top three series will crown their champions at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the first time since 2019. The 1.5-mile Florida track served as the championship host from 2002 through 2019 before the title race moved to Phoenix Raceway for the past six years. According to sources, the move is expected to see the Homestead races determine the victor of the Championship 4 and the series’ champions.
Dover Motor Speedway to Host 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race
The million-dollar NASCAR All-Star Race is heading to Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware for the first time in 2026. The “Monster Mile” will host the non-points event, replacing a traditional points race on the schedule. Due to the lack of track lighting at Dover, the race is anticipated to take place during the day. Dover will become the sixth different track to host the prestigious event, joining Charlotte, Atlanta, Bristol, texas, and North Wilkesboro.
North Wilkesboro Speedway Secures a Points Race After All-Star Success
Building on the momentum of hosting the All-Star Race for the last three years, North Wilkesboro Speedway will now feature a Cup Series points event on July 19, 2026. The 0.625-mile oval, which hosted 93 points races from 1949 to 1996, was nearly lost to disrepair before a remarkable revitalization effort. The project, spearheaded by Dale Earnhardt Jr., began with scanning the track for iRacing and ultimately led to a full reopening and resurfacing, culminating in its first points race in three decades.
NASCAR Breaks New Ground with Street Race in San Diego
NASCAR will continue to push boundaries with a street race scheduled for Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21, 2026. All three of NASCAR’s top series will compete on a road course on the base, marking the series’ return to the Southern California market and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. navy and the nation. The estimated lap length is approximately three miles, though the final track layout and format are
- Sunday, July 26: Brickyard 400 @ Indianapolis
- Sunday, Aug. 2: Off weekend
- Sunday, Aug. 9: Iowa
- Saturday, Aug. 15: Richmond
- Sunday, Aug. 23: New Hampshire
- Saturday, Aug. 29: Daytona II (Regular Season Finale)
- Sunday,Sept. 6: Darlington II
- Sunday, sept. 13: World Wide Technology Raceway @ Gateway
- Saturday, Sept. 19: Bristol II
- Sunday, sept. 27: Kansas II
- sunday, Oct.4: Las Vegas II
- Sunday, Oct. 11: Charlotte Roval
- Sunday, Oct. 18: Phoenix II
- Sunday, Oct. 25: Talladega II
- Sunday, Nov. 1: Martinsville II
- Sunday,11/8: Homestead-Miami (championship Race)
*Denotes Non-Points Event
The 2026 schedule represents a bold vision for the future of NASCAR,blending tradition with innovation and promising a thrilling season for drivers and fans alike.
