2025-11-12

​NASCAR Announces 2026 Season Start Times and Networks for All National Series

NASCAR Announces 2026 Season Start Times and Networks for All National Series

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 12, 2025) – NASCAR today released official start times and networks for the 2026 season for its three national series.

 

FOX kicks off the NASCAR Cup Series season at Bowman Gray Stadium (Sunday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m. ET). Its first FS1 events are DAYTONA 500 Qualifying (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. ET) and the DAYTONA Duel (Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m. ET) that set the field for the DAYTONA 500 on FOX (Sunday, Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m. ET). New additions to the FOX slate include Watkins Glen International (Sunday, May 10, 3 p.m. ET on FS1) and the first NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover (Sunday, May 17, 3 p.m. ET on FS1). Races on FOX include: EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta (Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. ET), Circuit of the Americas (Sunday, March 1, 3:30 p.m. ET), Kansas Speedway (Sunday, April 19, 2 p.m. ET) and Talladega Superspeedway (Sunday, April 26, 3 p.m. ET).

 

Prime Video opens its second NASCAR season at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Sunday, May 24, 6 p.m. ET). It returns to Nashville Superspeedway (Sunday, May 31, 7 p.m. ET), Michigan International Speedway (Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. ET) and Pocono Raceway (Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m. ET). Prime Video concludes its portion of the schedule with the new street-course event in San Diego's Naval Base Coronado (Sunday, June 21, 4 p.m. ET).

 

TNT Sports takes the reins at Sonoma Raceway (Sunday, June 28, 3:30 p.m. ET), kicking off the second In-Season Challenge before the NASCAR Cup Series returns to Chicagoland Speedway (Sunday, July 5, 6 p.m. ET) for the first time since 2019. TNT will also head back to EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta (Sunday, July 12, 7 p.m. ET), broadcast the first points-paying event at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Sunday, July 19, 7 p.m. ET) since 1996, and travel to Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m. ET).

 

USA Sports will close out the season, airing the final 14 races across USA Network, and NBC and Peacock, starting with Iowa Speedway on USA Network (Sunday, Aug. 9, 3:30 p.m. ET). After the regular season finale at DAYTONA International Speedway (Saturday, August 29, 7:30 p.m. ET) on NBC and Peacock, USA Sports is home to the entire NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and will conclude the season on NBC and Peacock with Talladega Superspeedway (Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. ET), Martinsville Speedway (Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. ET), and the return of the NASCAR Championship to Homestead-Miami Speedway (Sunday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m.) for the first time since 2019.

 

The CW Network returns following a historic first season as the exclusive destination for the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series at DAYTONA International Speedway (Saturday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m. ET). Highlights of the 33-race slate include the return to Rockingham Speedway over Easter weekend (Saturday, April 4, 2:30 p.m. ET), San Diego (Saturday, June 20, 5 p.m. ET) and the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Sunday, Nov. 7, 5 p.m. ET).

 

FOX Sports remains the home of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and will broadcast 23 races on FS1. Two additional races will air on FOX, including the inaugural Grand Prix at St. Petersburg (Saturday, Feb. 28, 12 p.m. ET) and the Charlotte ROVAL Playoff race (Friday, Oct. 9, 5 p.m. ET).

 

Announced previously, FOX will air all 20 ARCA Menards Series races between FOX, FS1 and FS2, beginning with the season opener at DAYTONA International Speedway (Saturday, Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. ET on FOX).

 

 

*Playoffs Races In Bold

NASCAR Cup Series

DATE

RACE

PLATFORM

START (ET)

Sun, Feb 1

Clash (Bowman Gray Stadium)

FOX

8:00 PM

Thu, Feb 12

Daytona - Duel

FS1

7:00 PM

Sun, Feb 15

DAYTONA 500

FOX

2:30 PM

Sun, Feb 22

EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)

FOX

3:00 PM

Sun, Mar 1

Circuit of the Americas (Austin)

FOX

3:30 PM

Sun, Mar 8

Phoenix Raceway

FS1

3:30 PM

Sun, Mar 15

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

FS1

4:00 PM

Sun, Mar 22

Darlington Raceway

FS1

3:00 PM

Sun, Mar 29

Martinsville Speedway

FS1

3:30 PM

Sun, Apr 12

Bristol Motor Speedway

FS1

3:00 PM

Sun, Apr 19

Kansas Speedway

FOX

2:00 PM

Sun, Apr 26

Talladega Superspeedway

FOX

3:00 PM

Sun, May 3

Texas Motor Speedway

FS1

3:30 PM

Sun, May 10

Watkins Glen International

FS1

3:00 PM

Sun, May 17

All Star (Dover Motor Speedway)

FS1

3:00 PM

Sun, May 24

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Prime

6:00 PM

Sun, May 31

Nashville Superspeedway

Prime

7:00 PM

Sun, Jun 7

Michigan International Speedway

Prime

3:00 PM

Sun, Jun 14

Pocono Raceway

Prime

3:00 PM

Sun, Jun 21

San Diego (Naval Base Coronado)

Prime

4:00 PM

Sun, Jun 28

Sonoma Raceway

TNT

3:30 PM

Sun, Jul 5

Chicagoland Speedway

TNT

6:00 PM

Sun, Jul 12

EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)

TNT

7:00 PM

Sun, Jul 19

North Wilkesboro Speedway

TNT

7:00 PM

Sun, Jul 26

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

TNT

2:00 PM

Sun, Aug 9

Iowa Speedway

USA

3:30 PM

Sat, Aug 15

Richmond Raceway

USA

7:00 PM

Sun, Aug 23

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

USA

3:00 PM

Sat, Aug 29

Daytona International Speedway

NBC

7:30 PM

Sun, Sep 6

Darlington Raceway

USA

5:00 PM

Sun, Sep 13

World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis)

USA

3:00 PM

Sat, Sep 19

Bristol Motor Speedway

USA

7:30 PM

Sun, Sep 27

Kansas Speedway

USA

3:00 PM

Sun, Oct 4

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

USA

5:30 PM

Sun, Oct 11

Charlotte ROVAL

USA

3:00 PM

Sun, Oct 18

Phoenix Raceway

USA

3:00 PM

Sun, Oct 25

Talladega Superspeedway

NBC

2:00 PM

Sun, Nov 1

Martinsville Speedway

NBC

2:00 PM

Sun, Nov 8

NASCAR Championship (Homestead-Miami Speedway)

NBC

3:00 PM

 

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

DATE

RACE

PLATFORM

START (ET)

Sat, Feb 14

Daytona International Speedway

CW

5:00 PM

Sat, Feb 21

EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)

CW

5:00 PM

Sat, Feb 28

Circuit of the Americas (Austin)

CW

3:00 PM

Sat, Mar 7

Phoenix Raceway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Mar 14

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

CW

5:30 PM

Sat, Mar 21

Darlington Raceway

CW

5:30 PM

Sat, Mar 28

Martinsville Speedway

CW

3:30 PM

Sat, Apr 4

Rockingham Speedway

CW

2:30 PM

Sat, Apr 11

Bristol Motor Speedway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Apr 18

Kansas Speedway

CW

7:00 PM

Sat, Apr 25

Talladega Superspeedway

CW

4:00 PM

Sat, May 2

Texas Motor Speedway

CW

3:30 PM

Sat, May 9

Watkins Glen International

CW

4:00 PM

Sat, May 16

Dover Motor Speedway

CW

4:00 PM

Sat, May 23

Charlotte Motor Speedway

CW

5:00 PM

Sat, May 30

Nashville Superspeedway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Jun 13

Pocono Raceway

CW

4:00 PM

Sat, Jun 20

San Diego (Naval Base Coronado)

CW

5:00 PM

Sat, Jun 27

Sonoma Raceway

CW

5:30 PM

Sat, Jul 4

Chicagoland Speedway

CW

5:30 PM

Sat, Jul 11

EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)

CW

7:00 PM

Sat, Jul 25

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

CW

4:00 PM

Sat, Aug 8

Iowa Speedway

CW

5:00 PM

Fri, Aug 28

Daytona International Speedway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Sep 5

Darlington Raceway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Sep 12

World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis)

CW

7:30 PM

Fri, Sep 18

Bristol Motor Speedway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Oct 3

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Oct 10

Charlotte ROVAL

CW

4:00 PM

Sat, Oct 17

Phoenix Raceway

CW

7:30 PM

Sat, Oct 24

Talladega Superspeedway

CW

3:30 PM

Sat, Oct 31

Martinsville Speedway

CW

4:00 PM

Sat, Nov 7

(NASCAR Championship) Homestead-Miami Speedway

CW

5:00 PM

 

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series

DATE

RACE

PLATFORM

START (ET)

Fri, Feb 13

Daytona International Speedway

FS1

7:30 PM

Sat, Feb 21

EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta)

FS1

1:30 PM

Sat, Feb 28

Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

FOX

12:00 PM

Fri, Mar 20

Darlington Raceway

FS1

7:30 PM

Fri, Apr 3

Rockingham Speedway

FS1

4:30 PM

Fri, Apr 10

Bristol Motor Speedway

FS1

7:30 PM

Fri, May 1

Texas Motor Speedway

FS1

8:00 PM

Fri, May 8

Watkins Glen International

FS1

4:30 PM

Fri, May 15

Dover Motor Speedway

FS1

5:00 PM

Fri, May 22

Charlotte Motor Speedway

FS1

7:30 PM

Fri, May 29

Nashville Superspeedway

FS1

8:00 PM

Sat, Jun 6

Michigan International Speedway

FS1

1:30 PM

Fri, Jun 19

San Diego (Naval Base Coronado)

FS1

7:00 PM

Sat, Jul 11

Lime Rock Park

FS1

1:00 PM

Sat, Jul 18

North Wilkesboro Speedway

FS1

12:30 PM

Fri, Jul 24

Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park

FS1

8:00 PM

Fri, Aug 14

Richmond Raceway

FS1

7:30 PM

Sat, Aug 22

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

FS1

1:30 PM

Thu, Sep 17

Bristol Motor Speedway

FS1

8:00 PM

Sat, Sep 26

Kansas Speedway

FS1

1:00 PM

Fri, Oct 9

Charlotte ROVAL

FOX

5:00 PM

Fri, Oct 16

Phoenix Raceway

FS1

7:30 PM

Fri, Oct 23

Talladega Superspeedway

FS1

4:00 PM

Fri, Oct 30

Martinsville Speedway

FS1

6:00 PM

Fri, Nov 6

(NASCAR Championship) Homestead-Miami Speedway

FS1

7:30 PM

 

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

 

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

 

Contact:

NASCAR

James Hallas 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 12.11.25 0 comments

2025-11-10

 

Gary Putnam Named NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series Director

Putnam becomes the Modified Tour's fifth Series Director

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 10, 2025) – NASCAR announced today that Gary Putnam has been named the new Series Director for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, becoming the fifth person to hold the position in the Tour's storied history. Putnam succeeds Jimmy Wilson, who has overseen the series since 2013. Earlier this year, Wilson accepted the role of Sr. Technical Director of NASCAR Regional.

 

Putnam joins an esteemed line of Series Directors that includes Jerry Cook (1985–1992), Ed Cox (1993–2007), Chad Little (2008–2012), and Jimmy Wilson (2013–2025). His appointment marks a new chapter for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour as it enters its 41st season in 2026.

 

"Few people embody the heart and grit of the Tour the way that Gary does," said Joey Dennewitz, Managing Director of NASCAR Regional. "He's lived it from every angle — as a fan, crew member, driver, and leader — and that perspective will drive the Tour to even greater heights. His vision and determination will ensure the future of Modified racing remains as fierce and proud as its past."

 

A Vernon, Connecticut native, Putnam's passion for motorsports began early. A graduate of Rockville High School, he was the first in his family to take an interest in racing. As a child, he spent weekends convincing his father to take him to Stafford Speedway, where he developed a lifelong love for the sport.

 

"This opportunity truly means a lot to me," said Gary Putnam, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Series Director. "Growing up in Connecticut, the NASCAR Modifieds were everything, and I attended nearly every race I could. To now lead the series that inspired my passion for motorsports is an incredible honor. The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is in a strong place, and my focus is on building upon that success—enhancing the experience for our competitors, officials, and fans while continuing to grow the series for the future."

 

Putnam's professional journey through NASCAR spans nearly four decades, covering nearly every role in the garage. In the 1990s he gained early experience working in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour alongside Charlie and Carl Pasteryak.

 

In 1996, Putnam moved to North Carolina to pursue full-time work in NASCAR, eventually joining Larry Hedrick Motorsports with driver Ricky Craven in the NASCAR Cup Series. He later worked on the cars for Bill Elliott Racing, before moving to Petty Enterprises in 2002, where he served as crew chief on the No. 44 with driver Jerry Nadeau and in 2003 for drivers John Andretti, Christian Fittipaldi, and Jeff Green on the iconic No. 43 car.

 

Putnam went on to join Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2007 and stayed at the company as it transitioned to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, where he reached the pinnacle of his Cup career as car chief for the No. 1 team winning the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and the fall Charlotte Motor Speedway race in 2010 with driver Jamie McMurray.

 

In addition to his leadership and technical expertise, Putnam is also the first person to be named the Series Director who has competed as a driver in the modern-era NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Since his debut in 2014, he has made 34 starts, earning two top-10 finishes, with his most recent start coming in 2025 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He also competed in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour (2010–2016), recording three top-five and 30 top-10 finishes in 63 starts.

 

Putnam will be suspending operations of his own NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team effective immediately as he transitions fully into his new role as Series Director.

 

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will kick off the 2026 season at New Smyrna Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 7, marking the fifth straight year fans can check out the high-powered Modifieds at the half-mile Florida oval just down the street from NASCAR headquarters.

 

For more information and schedules for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour please visitNASCAR.com/Whelen-Modified-Tour.

 



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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 10.11.25 0 comments

2025-11-03

Freeway Insurance Joins NASCAR as Fourth Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series

Freeway Insurance Joins NASCAR

as Fourth Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series

Freeway Insurance to Also Become Title Sponsor for the 2026 Fall NASCAR Cup Series Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 31, 2025) – NASCAR today announced that Freeway Insurance, a division of Confie and the largest independent personal lines agency and broker in the U.S., has joined as the fourth Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series, marking a significant addition to the sport's group of Premier Partners.

The multi-year agreement establishes Freeway Insurance as an official Premier Partner alongside Coca-Cola, Busch Light, and Xfinity, and underscores NASCAR's continued commercial momentum as major national brands invest in the sport's growing fanbase and dynamic platform. The announcement also includes Freeway Insurance becoming the Official Insurance Partner and the entitlement partner for the fall NASCAR Cup Series Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway. The partnerships will officially kick off in 2026.

"We're thrilled to welcome Freeway Insurance to the NASCAR family as a Premier Partner and a race entitlement partner at Phoenix Raceway," said Steve O'Donnell, President of NASCAR. "This partnership highlights the strong alignment between our two brands — dedication to serving everyday Americans is at the heart of everything we do. Freeway's commitment further reinforces the strength and growth of NASCAR's commercial ecosystem as we continue to attract top-tier partners who see the value and excitement of this sport."

Freeway Insurance and NASCAR represent two iconic American institutions — both deeply connected to the road, fueled by passion, and commitment to excellence for millions of loyal customers and fans nationwide.

Freeway Insurance provides affordable, reliable insurance options to drivers and families in all 50 states. Through its extensive retail network, over-the-phone service, and online platform, Freeway helps customers find the right coverage at the right price — from auto, truck, and home to RV and boat insurance. Freeway empowers people to make confident, informed decisions about their insurance needs, reflecting its mission to make quality coverage accessible to everyone. The brand's commitment to service, trust, and protection aligns seamlessly with NASCAR's focus on accessibility, innovation, and community.

"At Freeway Insurance, we're proud to partner with NASCAR — a sport that embodies the same energy, trust, and drive that define our brand," said Cesar Soriano, CEO of Freeway Insurance and U.S. Army Veteran.  "As someone who has served our country, I take great pride in leading a brand that serves hardworking Americans every day. Trust is the foundation of what we do — whether it's helping families protect what matters most or supporting a sport that fans trust and love. NASCAR's fans and our customers share the same values — determination, family, and a love of the open road — and the Freeway Insurance 500 will be a celebration of everything that makes this country great."

As part of the partnership, Freeway Insurance will be prominently integrated across multiple touchpoints of the NASCAR Cup Series, including race entitlements, sponsorship of the "Choose Rule" on Motor Racing Network and Performance Racing Network live broadcasts, digital activations, and fan engagement programs designed to bring fans closer to the action and help families win when it comes to their insurance needs. Freeway Insurance also becomes the exclusive insurance provider for NASCAR, its social media platforms, and all tracks where the national series race.

Together, NASCAR and Freeway Insurance will drive forward a shared mission: to connect with fans and customers across the country — on and off the track — through authenticity, innovation, trust and the open road that unites them.

Freeway Insurance is no stranger to NASCAR, as it's been a banner partner of NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez for the last five seasons. With Suárez set to join Spire Motorsports and pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet beginning in 2026, Freeway is proud to once again ride alongside him — this time as both a team partner and a Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation's major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook. 

About Freeway Insurance

Established in 1987, Freeway Insurance is one of the largest and fastest-growing personal lines insurance brokers in the United States, offering coverage through a "click, call, or come in" approach that connects customers nationwide. The company continually researches, grows, and diversifies its product offerings to stay responsive to the evolving insurance market. Freeway provides a wide range of options—from basic to premium coverage—in auto, truck, commercial vehicle, homeowners, renters, small business, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, fire, and flood insurance.  In 2008, Freeway Insurance became part of Confie, the nation's leading personal lines insurance distribution company. Customers can access Freeway Insurance through neighborhood offices, online at www.freeway.com, or by calling (800) 300-0227.

 

Contact:

Matt Nordby

NASCAR Communications

 

Rose Carter

Freeway Insurance

SVP, Marketing and Communications




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