Like any year, NASCAR teams and fans await the new season schedule reveal at a high alert.
The word is next year’s schedule will be revealed near the end of August. On the August 6 episode of the “Hauler Talk” Podcast, co-host Mike Forde , Managing Director of Race Communications for NASCAR, shared it would most likely happen in about three weeks. With that said, the date of August 24 will be met with high expectations.
As always, “Schedule Speculation Syndrome” is whipping up with many revelations, and some new possibilities.
Heavy.com has learned from several NASCAR team members and internal sources of changes to possibly look out for in 2026.
All-Star Race to Dover, North Wilkesboro Becomes Points Race
Now, here’s where the information trickling through the track garages gets interesting. Talk has been the All-Star Race will leave North Wilkesboro Speedway and go to Dover Motor Speedway. Both entities are owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
There has been a clamoring for NWS to get a points race since it’s return from abandonment in 2023 when it hosted the All-Star Race and a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.
What We Know
The Chicago Street Course race is out after three years. Being held on the Fourth of July Holiday weekend may have been a factor, the cost of building the track and the inconvenience to residents may have all been contributed to the decision.
According to a letter after this year’s race from Julie Guise, President of the event, to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the hope is revamp the race and return to the Windy City streets in 2027.
“Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an event that further enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike,” it stated. “We’re working together towards a new potential date, shorter build schedule and additional tourism draws.”
Not wanting to leave the market, look for Chicagoland Speedway to make a return next year. The 1.5-mile track was last used by NASCAR in 2019, a move Hall of Fame driver and Xfinity Series team owner Dale Earnhardt, Jr. approves.
“I think that getting Chicagoland back is going to cost some money,” he said on his Dale Jr. Download Podcast. “It’s gonna take five to 10 million dollars to get that track back together and get everything fixed up and cleaned up and ready to go.
“But I think it’ll put on a hell of a show and it’s going to be slick and worn out. Oh, it’s gonna be so abrasive. So it should be pretty awesome, they’ll be all over the place.”
Ahoy, NASCAR to Race on a Naval Base
Already confirmed was the NCS visiting the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, CA. They will utilize the base property an a yet-to-be determined layout. In theory, this replaces the Chicago event.
All three NASCAR Series will compete the weekend of June 19 to 21, 2026.
The Rock Making a Return
After a successful Xfinity and Truck Series return to Rockingham Speedway this year, the probability of the track being added to the NCS schedule has been sought.
The NXS and NCTS return to Rockingham were a huge success, which was promoted by Track Enterprises in conjunction with Spire Motorsports. A damper to adding a NCS race and return of the other two series happening took place two months after the event when the track owner, Rockingham Properties, LLC, announced the track was for sale.
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