The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is the 78th season of NASCAR’s top series, and it brought a new Chase format, a revised schedule and higher horsepower at short tracks. Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 on 15 February, and the season ends on 8 November at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This guide covers the schedule changes, Chase rules, car updates and standings after Bristol.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season | 78th season, 55th modern-era Cup season |
| Daytona 500 | 15 February; won by Tyler Reddick |
| Season finale | 8 November, Homestead-Miami Speedway |
| Chase field | Top 16 in points after 26 races |
| Win value | 55 points, up from 40 |
2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule changes
- North Wilkesboro Speedway returned as a points race for the first time since 1996. Joey Logano won it on 19 July.
- A street race near San Diego at Coronado Naval Base (Anduril 250) was won by Corey Heim on 21 June.
- Chicagoland Speedway returned for the first time since 2019. Chase Briscoe won the eero 400.
- The All-Star Race moved to Dover, won by Denny Hamlin.
- Mexico City was dropped because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Charlotte’s fall race moved from the road course back to the oval.
Source: Wikipedia’s 2026 season page. Confirm dates on nascar.com.
The Chase format
The Chase replaced the playoff system used since 2014. The top 16 drivers in points after 26 races qualify, win-and-you’re-in was scrapped, and starting Chase points are staggered by regular-season standing. Regular-season championship and playoff points were eliminated.
Cars and technical changes
- Chevrolet introduced a new ZL1 body style.
- Horsepower rose from 670 to 750 at tracks under 1.5 miles and on road courses.
- Bristol, Darlington, Dover, Nashville, New Hampshire and St. Louis use the short-track package.
- A permanent A-post flap is required at all races.
- Superspeedways use a 4-inch spoiler and new splitter stuffers.
Recent results and standings
Christopher Bell won the Southern 500 at Darlington on 6 September, Kyle Larson won at World Wide Technology Raceway on 13 September, and Joey Logano won the Bristol Night Race on 19 September. Read the recap in our Bristol Night Race 2026 article.
After 30 of 36 races, Larson led Hamlin by one point (2,206 to 2,205), with Logano on 2,190 and Bell on 2,189. Standings change every race, so use nascar.com for the latest.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series background reading
To learn how straight-line racing differs, see how drag racing works. For the circuits themselves, read our guide to race track types and layouts.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series FAQ
Who won the 2026 Daytona 500?
Tyler Reddick won the 68th Daytona 500 on 15 February 2026, passing Chase Elliott in the final laps, according to Wikipedia.
How does the 2026 NASCAR Chase work?
The Chase replaced the playoff format used since 2014. The top 16 drivers in points after 26 races qualify, win-and-you’re-in was scrapped and starting Chase points are staggered by regular-season standing.
How many points does a NASCAR Cup win pay in 2026?
A race win now pays 55 points, up from 40.
When does the 2026 NASCAR Cup season end?
It ends on 8 November 2026 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
What changed on the 2026 Cup cars?
Chevrolet introduced a new ZL1 body, horsepower rose from 670 to 750 at tracks under 1.5 miles and on road courses, and a permanent A-post flap is mandated.
Where can I find the latest NASCAR Cup standings?
Check nascar.com, because standings change every race. The numbers on this page were taken after Bristol on 19 September.
