NASCAR announced the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule on Wednesday, drawing attention for both strategic victories and questionable decisions. The schedule has sparked debate among fans and experts, reflecting a mix of innovative moves and problematic choices from the sport’s leadership.
Among the standout successes is the decision to award North Wilkesboro Speedway its first Cup Series points race since 1996. This North Carolina short track, which was revitalized three years ago to host the All-Star Race after decades of near inactivity, has become one of the sport’s hottest venues. Although its seating is limited compared to larger tracks, North Wilkesboro consistently sells out, an impressive feat in a time when many NASCAR tracks face declining attendance. While the racing quality on the .625-mile oval still needs sharpening, the track has more than earned its place on the Cup Series calendar.
The big news for me on the 2026 @NASCAR schedule is @NWBSpeedway getting a points race! I can’t wait to call 400 laps of night racing there on July 19. It’s massive for the surrounding community, and every fan of NASCAR is going to feel like a winner next July.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
NASCAR’s return of the Cup Series finale to Homestead-Miami Speedway also drew praise. Although Phoenix Raceway has competently hosted the Championship Weekend since it replaced Homestead in 2020, the Next Generation Cup Series car introduced in 2022 makes passing extremely challenging on tracks a mile or shorter. Homestead, with its high banking and mile-and-a-half length, is better positioned to deliver an exciting conclusion to the season. Last year’s championship-deciding final lap at Homestead showcased the thrilling finish fans hope to see again, suggesting that NASCAR’s move should enhance the overall spectacle.
Questionable Decisions in the 2026 Race Calendar
On the flip side, the selection of Dover Motor Speedway as the venue for the All-Star Race stands out as the most bewildering choice on the 2026 schedule. Dover, known as The Monster Mile, has been part of the Cup Series tour since 1969 and hosted two points races annually from 1971 to 2020. However, since 2021 it has retained only one race date, and now it will lose even that to host the $1 million-to-win exhibition event. While drawn-out praise often accompanies the All-Star Race, the problem lies in Dover’s recent racing product, which has suffered due to the Next Generation car and a decline in on-track excitement. Attendance at Dover has also dropped sharply, indicating that it may not be the best stage for such a major event.
Complicating matters further is the lack of permanent lighting at Dover, almost guaranteeing the All-Star Race will be held during the day — the first time since 1991. This could detract from the atmosphere NASCAR typically seeks during this marquee race.
Ben Kennedy says the Dover All-Star Race will “more than likely be a day race.” They don’t have lights there, obviously, so would have to be some sort of temporary lighting.
— Jeff Gluck
Another questionable move is shifting the Mother’s Day race from Kansas Speedway to Watkins Glen, a road course. NASCAR’s choice to race on Mother’s Day itself breaks from decades of tradition where the Cup Series avoided competing on this day. Adding a road course, a format currently unpopular among many drivers—especially after Shane van Gisbergen’s recent dominance—makes the decision even more baffling. This scheduling choice sends a complicated message to drivers and their families, who often sacrifice heavily for their sport.
Wider Implications of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule reflects both a nod to tradition and a willingness to experiment, with mixed results. Elevating North Wilkesboro offers a nostalgic yet fresh element that may reinvigorate fan interest in short-track racing, while relocating the season finale back to Homestead aims to enhance competitive finishes with a venue better suited to current car designs. Conversely, placing the All-Star Race at Dover and scheduling a road-course Mother’s Day event illustrate challenges NASCAR faces in balancing fan appeal with logistical and competitive realities.
The choices made in this schedule may set the tone for NASCAR’s approach in the coming years, especially as the Next Generation car continues to influence racing dynamics. Points races at tracks like North Wilkesboro could become more prevalent if they prove successful in attracting fans and compelling racing. Meanwhile, controversies like the Dover All-Star Race and the Watkins Glen Mother’s Day race might prompt NASCAR to reconsider future venue decisions to avoid alienating drivers and supporters.