NASCAR’s 2026 schedule is dropping jaws and sparking buzz across the racing world. The Cup Series is making a triumphant return to Chicagoland Speedway for a points-paying race, the first since 2019, bringing back a fan-favorite 1.5-mile oval that’s been sorely missed. North Wilkesboro Speedway, a historic short track, is also back in the mix with full championship points on the line for the first time in decades. And if that wasn’t enough, a brand-new street course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego is replacing the Chicago street race, injecting a dose of patriotic flair. But the real shocker is NASCAR’s on the verge of overhauling its playoff format for 2026, and the final pieces are coming together fast.

Mike Forde, NASCAR’s Managing Director of Racing Communications, dropped the new

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