Five takeaways from 2026 NASCAR schedule release

NASCAR officially released its 2026 schedule for all three series on Wednesday, making a few notable changes in the process.

While it was previously announced that Homestead-Miami Speedway will return as the site of Championship Weekend and Naval Base Coronado in San Diego will play host to the first NASCAR races on a military base in June, the rest of the schedule had not been put together until a first look was provided on Tuesday.

Aside from Homestead and the San Diego Street Race, which fans were already made aware of months in advance, here are five takeaways from the 2026 schedule.

All-Star Race finds a surprise new home

NASCAR's annual exhibition race for $1M has traditionally been run at night, including recent stops at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. On May 17, the All-Star Race will be held at Dover Motor Speedway, capping off Fox Sports' coverage.

Dover does not have lights installed and Ben Kennedy, NASCAR's executive vice president, chief revenue and racing innovation officer, says it will "more than likely" be a day race. Not only will this be the first time the Delaware track has not hosted a Cup Series points-paying race since it opened in 1969, the concrete surface has not produced great racing for the Next Gen Car, so don't expect the same show we were treated to at North Wilkesboro this season.

North Wilkesboro gets first points race in 30 years

For the first time since Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon won there in 1996, North Wilkesboro Speedway will host a points-paying race on July 19. It will be the fourth of five races during TNT Sports' coverage of the In-Season Challenge, which returns for a second year.

The track was revived ahead of the 2023 season after it sat dormant for years. Following a thrilling race in May, which was won by Christopher Bell, the fan-favorite track should put on one of the best events again next season.

Chicagoland Speedway makes its return

After a three-year stint on the streets of Chicago, the 1.5-mile track in Joliet, Illinois will take over on Fourth of July weekend, returning after a previous run from 2001-19.

It will be the second race of the In-Season Challenge and keep NASCAR in the Midwest with the potential to return to downtown Chicago in the future. Considering how entertaining the current intermediate package is, fans should be treated to some additional fireworks to celebrate the country's 250th birthday.

2026 schedule void of international races

Despite the logistical hurdles getting across the border, the Cup Series made its debut in Mexico City as fans turned out in droves to witness history earlier this season.

While Kennedy acknowledged the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament and other events that the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez venue hosts, he did not rule out a return there or a potential venture to other international markets.

Truck Series to make street race debut in St. Petersburg

The Cup Series rightfully gets a lot of the attention when the following year's schedule is released, but there was a major change to the Craftsman Truck Series schedule worth noting.

Before the tailgaters make the trip to San Diego in June, they will make their street-course racing debut in St. Petersburg, Florida on Feb. 28, joining the NTT IndyCar Series for what is sure to be an exciting weekend of racing. 

The decision to move the All-Star Race to Dover will likely not resonate with most fans, but the 2026 schedule is another example of the sport sticking to its roots while mixing in something new.