Denny Hamlin criticizes the recently released 2026 NASCAR schedule, raising serious concerns about several notable changes announced last weekend. The veteran driver delivered a harsh “D+” grade for the upcoming Cup Series, airing frustrations over the direction NASCAR officials have taken with next year’s lineup.
Major Changes Fuel Controversy in 2026 Cup Series Lineup
NASCAR officials made several bold moves when they revealed the 2026 Cup Series calendar, stirring debate within the racing community. Fans and commentators alike have taken notice of the adjustments, which include shifting the All-Star race to Dover and awarding North Wilkesboro a regular points event. Watkins Glen is set to move from its longstanding August date to a new slot in May, creating uncertainty for teams and supporters accustomed to the traditional summer race.
The Cup Series will also feature two off weekends in 2026—up from just one in 2025—altering the season’s rhythm for drivers like Denny Hamlin, Ross Chastain, and other stars vying for a spot in the playoff field. Another significant shift is the removal of the Chicago street race, replaced by a unique event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. Finally, the championship race heads back to Homestead-Miami Speedway, breaking Phoenix’s streak as the season finale venue since 2020.
Hamlin Delivers Blunt Assessment of the New Schedule
Asked for his candid thoughts at Daytona International Speedway, Denny Hamlin did not hold back on his disappointment. He bluntly offered a “D plus” rating, expressing frustration with several NASCAR officials’ decisions. Hamlin specifically called out the removal of Dover’s points race, noting the hardship endured by its dedicated fanbase following recent reductions in events.
He shared his doubts about how the schedule changes will enhance the competition, contrasting the new choices with fan expectations. Regarding the impact on Dover supporters, Hamlin was particularly sympathetic, underscoring years of challenges faced by attendees at that venue.
And then there’s just some other ones that are, you know, kinda headscratchers. I don’t think it was a C or better for sure.
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin’s criticism echoes broader concerns raised throughout the NASCAR community, as officials attempt to balance innovation with tradition and fan loyalty.
Breaking Down the Official 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
NASCAR’s finalized 2026 Cup Series calendar includes a mix of returning mainstays and new additions that could shape the championship race and playoff landscape. Here is the full lineup organized by date:
1. Sunday, Feb. 1: Clash (Bowman Gray Stadium)
2. Sunday, Feb. 15: Daytona 500
3. Sunday, Feb. 22: EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)
4. Sunday, March 1: Circuit of The Americas (Austin)
5. Sunday, March 8: Phoenix Raceway
6. Sunday, March 15: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
7. Sunday, March 22: Darlington Raceway
8. Sunday, March 29: Martinsville Speedway
9. Sunday, April 5: OFF WEEK
10. Sunday, April 12: Bristol Motor Speedway
11. Sunday, April 19: Kansas Speedway
12. Sunday, April 26: Talladega Superspeedway
13. Sunday, May 3: Texas Motor Speedway
14. Sunday, May 10: Watkins Glen International
15. Sunday, May 17: All-Star Race (Dover Motor Speedway)
16. Sunday, May 24: Charlotte Motor Speedway
17. Sunday, May 31: Nashville Superspeedway
18. Sunday, June 7: Michigan International Speedway
19. Sunday, June 14: Pocono Raceway
20. Sunday, June 21: San Diego (Naval Base Coronado)
21. Sunday, June 28: Sonoma Raceway
22. Sunday, July 5: Chicagoland Speedway
23. Sunday, July 12: EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)
24. Sunday, July 19: North Wilkesboro Speedway
25. Sunday, July 26: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
26. Sunday, Aug. 2: OFF WEEK
27. Sunday, Aug. 9: Iowa Speedway
28. Saturday, Aug. 15: Richmond Raceway
29. Sunday, Aug. 23: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
30. Saturday, Aug. 29: Daytona International Speedway
31. Sunday, Sept. 6: Darlington Raceway*
32. Sunday, Sept. 13: World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway (St. Louis)*
33. Saturday, Sept. 19: Bristol Motor Speedway*
34. Sunday, Sept. 27: Kansas Speedway*
35. Sunday, Oct. 4: Las Vegas Motor Speedway*
36. Sunday, Oct. 11: Charlotte Roval*
37. Sunday, Oct. 18: Phoenix Raceway*
38. Sunday, Oct. 25: Talladega Superspeedway*
39. Sunday, Nov. 1: Martinsville Speedway*
40. Sunday, Nov. 8: NASCAR Championship (Homestead-Miami Speedway)*
(* denotes playoff races)
Looking Ahead: What the New Schedule Means for Drivers and Fans
The overhaul of the 2026 Cup Series schedule signals a significant shift for NASCAR, with ripple effects for teams, sponsors, and the communities that host these events. The move to introduce new venues like Naval Base Coronado in San Diego and switching traditional mainstays such as Phoenix for Homestead as the championship venue mark a bold step by NASCAR officials. However, for drivers like Denny Hamlin and a vocal segment of the community, the changes bring apprehension about the loss of tradition and fan engagement.
As the Cup Series adapts to its reimagined schedule, all eyes will be on how key races and playoff battles unfold, and whether the modifications will ultimately benefit the sport or push devoted supporters further away. The ongoing tension between innovation and legacy will almost certainly continue when the cars take the green flag in 2026.
