Also of note on the 2026 Cup schedule is a new street-course event at San Diego's Naval Base Coronado on July 23, along with the first points-paying event since 1996 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19.

It also makes a major change to the races at Watkins Glen International, the only New York state stop on the schedule. Traditionally held in August or September, next year the racing will be held on Mother’s Day weekend.

Below, The Athletic’ s Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck react to the 2026 NASCAR schedule news. Many of the major elements of the schedule had already been revealed. Now that everything is out there, what are some of your biggest takeaways?