NASCAR is ready to turn the page on a challenging 2025 season as it gears up for the 2026 Cup Series, beginning with the highly anticipated Daytona 500 on February 18. The previous year was marked by significant turmoil, including an antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which ended in a settlement. Additionally, fan dissatisfaction with the playoff format and the tragic loss of former driver Greg Biffle and his family in a plane crash in December overshadowed the season.
Pocono Raceway president Ben May expressed optimism about the upcoming season, stating, “That’s all behind us. We’re going to keep pushing forward and do what we do.” The return of traditional elements, including “The Chase,” is expected to invigorate the sport this year. The previous playoff format, which eliminated drivers after every three races, has been replaced by a more familiar structure. After the 26-race regular season, the top 16 drivers will compete over the final ten races, with the driver accumulating the most points crowned champion. This format was previously in place from 2004 to 2013.
The elimination of the win-and-you’re-in format means that while victories remain crucial, consistency will be rewarded more than ever. The season will conclude at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where champions from all three national series will be determined from November 6 to 8. This venue previously hosted the final race from 2002 to 2019, and May noted that shifting the finale back to Homestead aims to enhance the overall experience for fans.
Changes to the schedule also highlight the evolving nature of NASCAR. The Chicagoland Speedway will return on July 5, replacing the Chicago street course. North Wilkesboro will host a points race for the first time in three decades on July 19, following its revival in 2023. The fall race at Charlotte will revert to the oval track instead of the infield “Roval” course.
The schedule includes an exciting street race on June 21 at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy. This event follows the annual stop at Pocono Raceway, where a full slate of races will take place from June 12 to 14. Notably, there will be no Craftsman Truck Series race this year, a temporary measure to ease scheduling conflicts with the FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11.
May also highlighted the economic impact of NASCAR events, noting that approximately 60% of fans come from out of state, contributing an estimated $75 to $100 million to the local economy during race weekends. Ticket sales for the Pocono events are on par with last year, which saw races sell out for the third consecutive year.
As the season draws near, anticipation builds around the Pocono weekend. This event will determine the drivers who qualify for NASCAR’s second In-Season Challenge, where the top 32 drivers will compete in an elimination tournament over five races. The winner will receive $1 million, a notable incentive that adds to the excitement.
Despite only one major driver change—Daniel Suarez moving to Spire Motorsports while Connor Zilisch steps into his place at Trackhouse Racing—the competition remains fierce. Zilisch, a promising 19-year-old who won ten Xfinity Series races last season, is expected to make a significant impact.
As for predictions on who will qualify for “The Chase,” the list of potential contenders includes notable names such as Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron. Hamlin, who experienced personal tragedy with the death of his father, is a sentimental favorite but will be racing with a shoulder injury this season.
In the lead-up to the Daytona 500, Byron aims to make history as the first driver to win three consecutive races. With Kyle Busch starting on the pole and Blaney in fifth, the race promises to be a thrilling kickoff to the new season.
Overall, as NASCAR looks ahead, the combination of familiar formats, new venues, and a commitment to consistency may set the stage for an exhilarating and engaging 2026 season.
