The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule was officially released Wednesday, revealing notable changes that will impact fans and teams alike. Among the adjustments, North Wilkesboro Speedway gains a significant event, while decisions surrounding Dover Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen have left the racing community questioning NASCAR’s direction.
North Wilkesboro Secures Major Race on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
One of the most celebrated decisions in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway to the points race lineup for the first time since 1996. After hosting the All-Star Race in recent years following a lengthy stretch of inactivity, this historic North Carolina facility is once again a key stop for the sport’s top division. Although North Wilkesboro’s seating capacity is modest compared to larger venues, it has managed to attract full crowds, often outperforming many other tracks in terms of ticket demand as of 2025.
While the on-track action at the .625-mile oval remains a matter of ongoing development, granting this iconic venue a points race acknowledges its successful revival and dedicated fanbase. The racing community largely greeted this move with enthusiasm.
“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. (@DaleJr) August 20, 2025
Homestead-Miami Speedway Returns as Cup Series Finale
The schedule also brings the championship weekend back to Homestead-Miami Speedway. Phoenix Raceway has hosted the final event since 2020, but the introduction of the Next Generation Cup Series car in 2022 led to more challenging overtaking at shorter tracks. Homestead, with its 1.5-mile, high-banked layout, is expected to deliver more dynamic races, especially when the title is at stake. This decision suggests NASCAR’s commitment to improving on-track competition for one of its most critical weekends.
The move comes after memorable moments at Homestead, such as Tyler Reddick’s remarkable pass on Ryan Blaney in the final corner last season, which supporters point to as evidence that the South Florida facility is best suited for season-ending drama.
Dover Motor Speedway’s All-Star Race Sparks Controversy
Conversely, NASCAR’s selection of Dover Motor Speedway to host the All-Star Race has received widespread scrutiny. Traditionally a regular stop on the Cup Series tour since 1969, Dover has steadily declined from holding two annual points races to just one since 2021. For 2026, it loses even that race in favor of a $1-million-to-win All-Star exhibition, a move some insiders argue is misguided due to lackluster performances and dwindling crowds at the “Monster Mile” since the introduction of the Next Generation car.
The fact that Dover lacks permanent lighting adds another layer of concern. The venue is set to host the first daytime All-Star Race in decades unless temporary lighting is arranged, raising additional questions about the fan experience and television viewership.
“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 (@jeff_gluck) August 20, 2025
Watkins Glen Move on Mother’s Day Draws Criticism
The decision to move the Mother’s Day race from Kansas Speedway to Watkins Glen International is another point of contention. For many years, the Cup Series observed a break on Mother’s Day, and its return to competition on this date has not been well received. Critics are particularly unimpressed with NASCAR scheduling a road course event over the holiday, arguing that the current climate among drivers — especially after Shane van Gisbergen’s recent road course dominance — makes such a decision unpopular and poorly timed.
This adjustment has implications for both competitors, including drivers and their families, and traveling personnel who dedicate significant time and energy to the sport. Many see this as sending the wrong message to key stakeholders whose support is vital for the continued success of NASCAR’s premier division.
The Road Ahead for NASCAR’s Premier Division
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule presents a mix of thoughtful choices and perplexing shifts. The addition of a North Wilkesboro points race and the return of Homestead-Miami as the championship finale are expected to reinvigorate fan interest at these sites. However, the allocation of the All-Star Race to Dover and the shift of the Mother’s Day weekend race to Watkins Glen raise questions about NASCAR’s strategy for balancing tradition, entertainment, and the evolving needs of those who travel with the Cup Series each week. Fans and participants will be watching closely to see how these moves play out when the green flag drops on the new season.
