With Denny Hamlin on NASCAR schedule changes becoming a heated topic, information has emerged about upcoming adjustments to the 2026 NASCAR calendar even before its official announcement this week. Details point to significant alterations, including a new San Diego street course and Homestead-Miami Speedway set to host the championship event, raising concern and tension among teams and drivers who feel excluded from the process.
NASCAR’s 2026 calendar shifts and leaks
Recent leaks reveal major changes are expected for the sport’s 2026 season, with the addition of the San Diego street course and Homestead-Miami Speedway securing the championship finale. Denny Hamlin discussed on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast that NASCAR chooses tracks without input from drivers or teams, reinforcing a long-standing pattern of exclusion in decision-making.
“Some of this schedule stuff is slowly leaking out. This is typical each year. The weeks leading up where they’re leaking this track is in, this track is out,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver.
There is uncertainty surrounding certain races: Iowa is reportedly in limbo, Chicagoland may return while the Chicago Street Race appears to be out, and San Diego is reportedly confirmed. The lack of transparency in these decisions has led to increased scrutiny from those within the sport, particularly as reports from outlets such as The Athletic and personalities like Jordan Bianchi continue to circulate new rumors and possibilities.
“I can assure you with one thing for certain, as much as they talk about collaboration — NASCAR doesn’t collaborate at all with the teams, drivers or anyone on the schedule. That’s their whole thing. We have nothing to do with it, no input, no nothing. Whatever it is, it’s what they came up with.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver.
Major events likely to move or return
Bianchi’s latest updates highlight further notable shifts, such as Chicagoland Speedway potentially replacing Mexico City on the schedule and an increasing likelihood that the All-Star Race will switch venues from North Wilkesboro Speedway to Dover Motor Speedway. If Dover takes over the All-Star event, North Wilkesboro Speedway, last seen hosting a Cup Series points race in 1996 when Jeff Gordon took the win at the Tyson Holly Farms 400, could see a return to premier competition with a long-awaited points race.
Calls for more collaboration and relief for teams
Hamlin has publicly supported a points race returning to North Wilkesboro, expressing a preference for eliminating the All-Star Race in favor of granting teams a much-needed additional weekend off. The relentless schedule, filled with weekly travel, has been a point of tension for many in the NASCAR paddock.
“Why don’t we just give the damn teams a week off? Like, they are running us through the grinder. It is a grind trying to get to the racetrack every single weekend,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver.
“Definitely would enjoy another break, and I just don’t see the need of trying to force this.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver.
The broader significance of these schedule shifts
The latest leaks and ongoing lack of transparency highlight the disconnect between NASCAR officials, drivers, and teams. As Denny Hamlin‘s candid comments reflect, the sport’s decision-making processes leave many stakeholders out of the loop, amplifying existing frustrations. The possible return of iconic tracks, reshuffling of marquee events, and proposed changes to the season structure could reshape key rivalries and traditions. With the official announcement imminent, all eyes will be on which rumors materialize and how teams, drivers, and fans react to the evolving landscape of the NASCAR Cup Series.
