PHOENIX – NASCAR implemented a familiar points format, harkening back to the days of old, while dates in new markets and rule changes continued to keep the sport diverse ahead of 2026.

Here’s everything that fans need to know before the 75th season of NASCAR Cup Series action.

The Chase is back

While the rest of the world looked back on 2016, the Chase returned with a new flair, reminiscent of the 2000s. After over a decade away, NASCAR will once again crown its champion in a 10-race battle for the Bill France Cup.

Win-in-and-in and the one-race championship are not a thing of the past. The new cup format consists of a 26-race regular season after which the top 16 drivers in points qualify for the Chase.

The top seed begins with 2,100 points; the second seed carries 2,075; the third holds 2,065; and each subsequent seed has 5 points fewer. Race winners will earn 55 points – 15 more than under the playoff system – while still earning stage points. Additionally, all forms of playoff points were removed.

Darlington Raceway will kick off the Chase on Labor Day weekend, ending Homestead Miami Speedway for the first time since 2019.

Schedule shakeups

Since 2018, NASCAR hasn’t been afraid to make bold schedule moves. San Diego will join Chicago as the second city to host a NASCAR street race as the top three divisions of the sport compete at Naval Base Coronado on Jun. 21 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

But for every major new market, NASCAR has proven it gives back to grassroots fans. For the first time since 1996, North Wilkesboro Speedway is set to host a points-paying race.

Last but certainly not least, two fan-favorite 1.5-mile ovals will see the spotlight in 2026: Chicagoland Speedway and Motor Speedway. Chicagoland is back after an eight-year hiatus, following a date cancellation during COVID and the Chicago Street Race. 

Charlotte is expected to shift its Chase date from the road course configuration to the traditional oval, as reported by The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, with an official announcement expected soon.

One notable absence from 2025 to 2026 is the lack of an international date. Mexico City previously held the slot as NASCAR’s first cup race outside of the U.S. since 1958.

Now the stars of the Cup Series have only four ride-course dates, down from six the year prior, while this style of racing will be absent in the postseason should Charlotte switch to the oval.

The 68th running of the Daytona 500

Back-to-back Daytona 500 winner William Byron will begin Speedweeks with a chance to make history. No driver has won the Great American race three-straight times in 67 years.

Byron begins his quest for three on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with practice and pole qualifying.

As of Jan. 28, eight open cars have been added to the entry list. Two-time Daytona 500 winner Jimmie Johnson is guaranteed a spot in the field as the 41st entry via the open exemption provisional, but will be unable to earn points or prize money.

• No. 36 – Chandler Smith, Front Row Motorsports (Ford)
• No. 40 – Justin Allgaier, JR Motorsports (Chevrolet)
• No. 44 – JJ Yeley, NY Racing Team (Chevrolet)
• No. 62 – Anthony Alfredo, Beard Motorsports (Chevrolet)
• No. 66 – Casey Mears, Garage 66 (Ford)
• No. 67 – Corey Heim, 23XI Racing (Toyota)
• No. 78 – BJ McLeod, Live Fast Motorsports (Chevrolet)
• No. 99 – Corey LaJoie, RFK Racing (Ford)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chris Stapleton return to Daytona International Speedway for their second attempt at the Great American Race. Justin Allgaier made the show for JR Motorsports one year ago, finishing ninth.

Corey LaJoie also advanced out of the Twin 125s races with Rick Ware Racing in 2025 and led 10 laps in the Daytona 500. LaJoie is a sneaky superspeedway pick, plus the RFK Fords are always fast, so keep an eye on this pairing come Sunday, Feb. 15.

Lawsuit fallout

After a lengthy legal battle, NASCAR, along with 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, reached a settlement on Dec. 11, 2025. The aforementioned teams were victorious in securing “evergreen" or permanent charters while also recording charters lost during the litigation process.

While much of the settlement details remained private, NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps stepped down from his role in the wake of the trial. The discovery process revealed unsavory text messages and emails sent by Phelps describing team owner Richard Childress as a “stupid redneck” who needed to be “taken out back and flogged.”

These remarks drew criticism from Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris, who wrote a letter asking Phelps to step away or be fired. Phelps apologized during the trial, but still chose to step down for personal reasons.

NASCAR thanked Phelps for his role in the organization but did not announce any plans to make personnel changes following his departure

New faces in new places

After racing for Trackhouse since the team formed in 2021, Daniel Suárez transitioned to Spire Motorsports during the offseason. Suárez will take over the No. 7 previously driven by Justin Haley, who moved into the Craftsman Truck Series for RAM’s all-new program.

Replacing Suárez at Trackhouse is rookie Connor Zilisch. The 2025 O'Reilly Auto Parts runner-up will climb aboard the No. 88 Chevrolet as teammate Shane Van Gisbergen will sport his family’s No. 97 for the 2026 campaign.

Chevy heavy

Ford will take a significant blow in numbers to start 2026 after Haas Factory Team and Rick Ware Racing allied with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports. Ford now only supports four Cup programs.

In addition to the new teams, Chevrolet will debut an updated body design for the Camaro ZL1. The changes are highlighted by front grille alterations and completely redefined rocker panels.

It was the first major change for the defending manufacturer champion since the Next Gen hit the track in 2022.

The Clash looms

For the second year in a row, Bowman Gray Stadium will feature the NASCAR Cup Series for an exhibition race.

However, the Cook Out Clash faces the frigid weather system plaguing the East Coast. A winter storm is forecast to leave a fresh layer of snow over the Winston-Salem area on Friday night.

Track crews worked to clear the track early in the week, but temperatures are projected to be 21 degrees as the green flag drops. The sanctioning body is monitoring weather conditions and will communicate any schedule changes if needed.

Practice and qualifying are scheduled for 6:10 p.m. ET Saturday, Jan. 31, with heat races at 8:30 p.m. A Last Chance Qualifying Race takes place Sunday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. with the main event set to begin at 8 p.m.