The NASCAR Cup 2026 season includes 36 points-paying races and an All-Star race in May. The series returns to a Chase format (used from 2004-15) for determining the points champion, with 16 drivers competing over the final 10 races, breaking from the elimination bracket format of recent years.
NASCAR Cup schedule 2026; NASCAR 2026 schedule changes
(Points-paying race schedule; Day, date, location, time ET, TV; *-road course)
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NASCAR Cup schedule: Chase to the championship
NASCAR Cup drivers 2026
(with team, car number and driver)
NASCAR Cup dimensions, engine, tires, fuel
NASCAR Chase format
Sixteen drivers qualify for the Chase by accumulating points through the first 26 races. After a points reset, those 16 drivers will compete for points through the final 10 races.
Previously, 16 drivers qualified for an elimination tournament for the final 10 races, with spots going to race winners. If 16 drivers didn’t win through 26 races, the highest points earners filled the field. Drivers then faced elimination in a backet-style competition, with four eligible for the season championship in the final race.
Who won the NASCAR Cup championship in 2025?
Kyle Larson.
Zion Brown is IndyStar’s motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar’s motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NASCAR Cup Series 2026 schedule: When is the Daytona 500, Chase format, drivers
Reporting by Scott Horner and Zion Brown, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
