NASCAR 2026: San Diego debuts street circuit, Chicagoland returns

NASCAR Reveals the Race Schedule for the 2026 Season

The excitement of motorsports intensifies with the announcement of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for the year 2026. The season will feature significant new developments, including a new street race in San Diego and the return of Chicagoland Speedway. The schedule, presented this Wednesday, reveals a series of strategic and exciting changes for NASCAR fans. The season, which will run from February to November, will include two free weekends, offering a respite in the intense racing schedule. The calendar will begin with the Clash exhibition event on February 1st at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, marking the second consecutive year at this iconic stadium. The official season will kick off with the Daytona 500 on February 15th. The season finale will be on November 8th in Homestead, Florida, a circuit with a rich history in NASCAR. The expected return of Chicagoland Speedway is another highlight. After a six-year hiatus, the Joliet, Illinois circuit returns to the calendar, promising thrills for fans. The incorporation of San Diego as the venue for a street race on a military base in Coronado adds an element of novelty to the calendar. To accommodate these new additions, adjustments have been made to the calendar, including the absence of the Chicago street race and the non-inclusion of Mexico City, due to conflicts with the World Cup. Other significant changes include moving the Watkins Glen, New York race to Mother’s Day weekend. The All-Star race moves from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to Dover, Delaware, allowing North Wilkesboro to host a points race.