P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Check out the full calendar for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, featuring 36 points-paying events.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series calendar was recently announced, consisting of 36 points-paying races and two exhibition races, totaling 38 races in a 40-week schedule.
A major change is the return of Homestead-Miami as the championship finale, a shift from Phoenix, ending a two-year run for the latter in deciding the title.
A new street course in San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado will debut on June 21, while the Chicago Street Course will make way for Chicagoland Speedway’s return on Independence Day weekend.
North Wilkesboro will host its first points-paying race since 1996, with the All-Star Race moving to Dover Motor Speedway.
The In-Season Challenge is back with races at Sonoma, Chicagoland, Atlanta Speedway, North Wilkesboro, and Indianapolis.
Additionally, Phoenix’s second race will kick off the playoffs’ ‘Round of 8’ on October 18, with the season commencing on February 15.
