Dale Earnhardt Jr. is stirring up interest in the Dale Earnhardt Jr 2026 NASCAR schedule rumors after suggesting possible changes for the upcoming racing calendar. On his podcast, Earnhardt discussed the challenges around NASCAR’s return to Chicago, the prospect of a street course in San Diego, and the complicated future for other potential race locations.
Chicago’s Future and the Complex NASCAR Contract Situation
As the current agreement between NASCAR and Chicago nears its end, Earnhardt elaborated on the uncertainties facing both sides. He alluded to the daunting nature of negotiating a renewal amid the city‘s unique demands and the conflicting information coming from involved parties. While Earnhardt acknowledged the entertainment value of the Chicago Street race, he emphasized the practical difficulties the organization might encounter ahead.
“I can’t even imagine how much of a spiderweb the agreement or any future agreement or how to even get down that path is for NASCAR in the city and all that s**t,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst
He expressed skepticism about the clarity of ongoing discussions and confessed that a deal for more years would not be unwelcome, seeing how fans have responded well to the race.
“You don’t know who’s telling the truth about whether they really want to do this again or not. If they said tomorrow, ‘Yeah, there’s a new two-year deal or three-year deal, I wouldn’t be mad about it. The race itself is entertaining as s**t.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst
San Diego Looms as a Potential New Venue
Turning to the racing calendar for 2026, Earnhardt revealed hearsay about San Diego stepping in for Chicago’s slot. While nothing official has been confirmed, Earnhardt made clear the speculation that a San Diego street course could soon replace Chicago in the schedule. He also allowed for the possibility that both cities could rotate or coexist, with Mexico City or Montreal standing as other candidates in the ongoing discussions.
“I don’t know if they’ll go back. I hear that San Diego is going to take its place,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst
“There will be a street course in San Diego of some type. That is what will take Chicago’s place. It doesn’t mean that Chicago can’t still exist. Maybe Mexico City goes away, and Chicago shifts to a different part of the schedule, I don’t know. I think there’s a potential where you could see us racing at Chicago and San Diego, for sure. There’s a world where that exists.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst
Other Schedule Considerations and International Races
Earnhardt was candid about NASCAR’s current focus, noting that he does not expect more road courses than are already present. He believes the number of road course events will remain fixed for at least another year, with changes coming from venue swaps rather than schedule expansion. According to his perspective, San Diego’s inclusion feels almost certain, despite some behind-the-scenes debate.
“I don’t think that they’re adding another road course,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst
Earnhardt also mentioned the competitive possibility between Chicago and Mexico City for a slot on the schedule, as well as NASCAR’s ongoing aspirations to return to Montreal. However, he tempered expectations about Montreal materializing in the near term.
“And then it’s like 50/50 between going back to Chicago or going back to Mexico City. Then you always have the hope that we get to Montreal again, and I think it’s NASCAR’s intention to get there. That might not happen next year.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Analyst
Upcoming 2026 Events and What to Expect Next
Earnhardt’s statements came as NASCAR announced the return of the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, set for Sunday, February 1, 2026. The confirmation of this event is one fixed point as speculation continues about which cities will be featured and which races may rotate or disappear. With continuing uncertainty around urban street courses, international expansion, and long-term contracts, the rumors and discussions are likely to build further interest around the 2026 NASCAR schedule and Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains a central voice shaping the conversation.
