2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Series schedule

(All races will air on the CW)

• Feb. 14: Daytona International Speedway, 5 p.m.
• Feb. 21: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 5 p.m.
• Feb. 28: Circuit of the Americas, 3 p.m.
• March 7: Phoenix Raceway, 7:30 p.m.
• March 14: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 5:30 p.m.
• March 21: Darlington Raceway, 5:30 p.m.
• March 28: Martinsville Speedway, 3:30 p.m.
• April 4: Rockingham Speedway, 2:30 p.m.
• April 11: Bristol Motor Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
• April 18: Kansas Speedway, 7 p.m.
• April 25: Talladega Superspeedway, 4 p.m.

RELATED: Check out our photographers’ picks for the best photos of 2025!

• May 2: Texas Motor Speedway, 3:30 p.m.
• May 9: Watkins Glen International, 4 p.m.
• May 16: Dover Motor Speedway, 4 p.m.
• May 23: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5 p.m.
• May 30: Nashville Superspeedway, 7:30 p.m.
• June 13: Pocono Raceway, 4 p.m.
• June 20: Naval Base Coronado, 5 p.m.
• June 27: Sonoma Raceway, 5:30 p.m.
• July 4: Chicagoland Speedway, 5:30 p.m. 
• July 11: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 7 p.m.
• July 25: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4 p.m. 
• Aug. 8: Iowa Speedway, 5 p.m.
• Aug. 28: Daytona International Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 5: Darlington Raceway, 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 12: World Wide Technology Raceway, 7:30 p.m.

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PLAYOFFS

• Sept. 18: Bristol Motor Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 3: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 10: Charlotte ROVAL, 4 p.m.
• Oct. 17: Phoenix Raceway, 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 24: Talladega Superspeedway, 3:30 p.m.
• Oct. 31: Martinsville Speedway, 4 p.m.
• Nov. 7: Homestead-Miami Speedway, 5 p.m.

By Neha Dwivedi, Staff Writer

Reports confirmed that Michael Printup, the longtime president of Watkins Glen International, passed away suddenly after nearly three decades of service within NASCAR. Printup led Watkins Glen from 2009 through 2023 and stepped away from the role shortly before the venue’s annual NASCAR weekend to join the Racing America leadership team.

Announcing the news, Racing America issued a statement expressing its grief: “Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Racing America also outlined Printup’s brief but influential tenure with the organization. When Printup joined the organization in 2023, he was appointed president of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association. But within a year, in January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, a role in which he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli and all racing operations.

Before that, Printup had devoted nearly 30 years to NASCAR, most prominently as president of Watkins Glen International. His résumé also included serving as president of Americrown, where he oversaw the Levy foodservice contract across 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.

Printup is survived by his wife, Stephanie Printup, their two sons, Brendan (Caitlin) and Matthew Printup, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne. Racing America announced that a memorial service will take place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home, located at 303 S. Main Street in Summerville, South Carolina.

But his most prominent work came at Watkins Glen. During his leadership at the road course track, Printup guided the facility through a period of sustained growth, strengthening operations and partnerships while respecting the circuit’s heritage. Attendance climbed as demand increased, fueled by memorable moments and headline races that strengthened the track’s place on the NASCAR calendar.

Even as NASCAR’s overall in-person attendance declined between 2009 and 2023, Printup and his staff consistently drew big crowds to Watkins Glen. The venue has averaged roughly 100k fans on race weekends, cementing its status as both a regional attraction and a NASCAR mainstay.

Watkins Glen International also released its own tribute, noting, “Watkins Glen International is saddened by the passing of former President Michael Printup, who led the facility for 15 years. During his tenure, Michael played a key role in the continued growth and success of Watkins Glen International, helping to strengthen its operations, partnerships, and standing within the motorsports industry while honoring the venue’s storied history. Michael was a respected leader who left a lasting impact on the organization and those who worked alongside him. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

Tributes extended beyond the United States as well. Australian NBC Sports broadcaster Leigh Diffey shared a heartfelt message, writing:

“Terribly sad news to start a new year with. Michael was always so generous with his time whenever we’d be at @WGI… always had a big smile and a great outlook. Nothing was ever a hassle … he’d often say whatever we can do please let us know. Thoughts with his family.”

Message from Robert Giannou, Targa Newfoundland owner and co-founder:

Happy New Year from Targa Newfoundland, the most fun you can have in your car with your clothes on. The engines are silent now but in just nine months they will roar to life for the 2026 edition of the world-famous tarmac rally on our beautiful and scenic island home of Newfoundland.

Our next Targa Newfoundland event starts Thursday, September 10, 2026, with Targa School, and ends on Friday, September 18, the night of the awards dinner. The concept for the 2026 course is done, and the detailed course will be confirmed in February.

We’re excited to announce that we’re planning a number of new course concepts, both for transits and competitive stages. We are also welcoming some new towns (and stages) to the fold as well as modifying some much-loved older stages. More to come on both fronts so stay tuned.

But the big news for this year is that we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. Yup, Targa Newfoundland was founded in 2001, and the first rally was held in September of 2002. In the 25 years since then, we have run over 1000 stages in some 130 Newfoundland communities. During that time, we have welcomed hundreds of competitors and volunteers to our island, all the while establishing our event as one of the safest in North America, if not the world.

So, this year we have much to celebrate, including a spectacular motorsport event that turns fantasy into reality and changes normalcy into an unforgettable experience. But most of all, it challenges us out of our day-to-day environment and into the world of our wildest dreams that manifest themselves into wonderful memories.

Teenage dream becomes Targa reality

As a young boy, Devon Knight of Corner Brook, NL was already fantasizing about fast cars and Targa Newfoundland. He even did a school project on the history of the legendary rally in his home province that we highlighted back in 2013.

The Targa bug bit him early. From a young age, he watched Targa on the Speed Channel and dreamed of competing one day. After moving to the Toronto area, he took driver training, spent many weekends doing track days in southern Ontario and got into autocross, something he helped launch in western Newfoundland when he returned there.

It took 11 years but Devon made his Targa dream come true by entering the shorter Bambina event in the fall of 2024 with his thundering V8-powered 2015 Ford Mustang GT. After ripping through the streets of Gander, he was really hooked and determined to come back for the full event.

“It was unreal,” said Devon. “I can’t name one time I’ve ever felt like that in my life. It was the most excited I ever remember being. You’re talking about memories and building friendships with all these people from all over the world and all walks of life.”

Devon says that track days and autocross just don’t compare to experiencing the Targa rally on city streets and closed country roads.

“Running on a road course or competing in an autocross, you don’t really comprehend what it feels like to be on the street because everything’s right there next to you on these narrow lanes. You’re hitting 100 kilometres an hour and it feels like you’re hitting 200 kilometres on the track. It’s the way everything’s flying by.”

Last fall, Devon and co-driver Logan King-Gaudon returned for the full rally and impressed everyone by wheeling their way to a well-deserved second place in Targa 1, just behind pro racer Randy Pobst and Paul Abbott. Dreams can come true.

Watch Knight Motorsports rip through Gander here.

Cool running in a hot car

Targa Newfoundland isn’t only about competition. For those entering Targa Tour, it’s about the thrill, camaraderie, and the sights and sounds of a unique motoring adventure in a spectacular location without the pressure of racing the clock.

Charles Brooks and Toby Garrett, two best friends from Northern Ontario, with a shared passion for all things motorsports and performance driving, tried their hand at Targa Newfoundland last fall. They bonded over motorsports and have done drag racing, auto racing, driving the Tail of the Dragon and just about anything else that can be done with fast cars.

Their team name, Cool Runnings, was inspired by the famous Jamaican bobsled team from Charles’ home country. Their bobsled has a lot more power than the namesake though. They drove from Northern Ontario to Newfoundland in two 800-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats that attracted attention wherever they went and drew admiring crowds at every car show.

The entry to Targa Newfoundland was a birthday gift to Charles from his wife, Donna. Toby’s partner Linda drove the support vehicle, the second Hellcat, a purple one that belongs to her. She’d love to run the rally herself but needs a capable co-driver.

Whether you drive a Hellcat or a Honda Civic, Targa Tour is an absolute blast. You get to drive the same stages as the competitive divisions but at your own pace.

Race the Rock in 2026

Targa Newfoundland is the ultimate tarmac rally for classic and modern cars in North America, attracting hundreds of competitors from around the globe since 2002. There are few events like it in the world where competitors get to run their cars at speed and test their skills on closed public roads.

This year’s rally is scheduled for Sept. 10-18, 2026, starting with two days of training and ending with the awards dinner. The competitive stages will run from Saturday, Sept. 12 to Thursday, Sept. 17.

Targa 2026 will cover close to 2000 km (1240 miles) including about 500 km (310 miles) of challenging stages at speed on closed public roads through towns, outports and spectacular scenery. Targa is comprised of two events in one – the Duemila, an eight-day competition, and the Rotoura, a six-day rally experience. Both include two days of Targa School including classroom instruction and practice runs.

Choose your division:

Targa 1 – competitive, roll bar required, top speed – 155 kph
Targa 2 – competitive, roll cage required, top speed – 180 kph
Grand Touring – time, speed, distance rally; roll bar required – 130 kph
Targa Tour – non-competitive adventure, top speed – 130 kph

Are you ready to Race the Rock and take on Targa Newfoundland 2026? Apply to drive and be a part of this unforgettable experience.

About Targa Newfoundland

Targa Newfoundland, which first ran in 2002, is the only tarmac rally of its kind in North America. Held each fall on the ruggedly beautiful island of Newfoundland in eastern Canada, the rally covers 2000 kilometres of challenging, twisty roads through spectacular scenery including about 500 kilometres of thrilling stages at speed on closed sections of public roads and town streets. Targa Newfoundland celebrated its 1000th stage in 2025.

This year’s rally is scheduled for Sept. 10-18, 2026, starting with two days of training and ending with the awards dinner. The competitive stages will run from Saturday, Sept. 12 to Thursday, Sept. 17. The Targa Newfoundland website is your main source for information on the event, including rules and regulations, tech tips, Newfoundland and Labrador, our communities, places to stay, how to get here, and much more!

The NASCAR world has been hit by tragedy once again with the news that Racing America Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup has died.

He was 60.

Per Racing America on SI, Printup spent 30 years working in NASCAR, including 15 as the track president at Watkins Glen International Speedway.

“Watkins Glen International is saddened by the passing for former President Michael Printup, who led the facility for 15 years,” Watkins Glen shared on X. “During his tenure, Michael played a key role in the continued growth and success of Watkins Glen International, helping to strengthen its operations, partnerships, and standing with the motorsports industry while honoring the venue’s storied history.

“Michael was a respected leader who left a lasting impact on the organization and those who worked alongside him. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

The Racing America account on X called Printup “a true motorsports icon and friend.”

“His passing and leadership shaped our sports and will never be forgotten,” the account added.

Printup is the fifth person with NASCAR ties to die since the start of December, joining former drivers Michael Annett, 39, Nick Joanides, 55, and Greg Biffle, 55 as well as Dennis Hamlin, 75, the father of driver Denny Hamlin.

Prior to Printup’s passing, Hamlin’s death was the most recent after he was killed in a house fire on Sunday in North Carolina. His wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, has been hospitalized after sustaining burns in the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Biffle was killed along with his family and some friends when his plane crashed on Dec. 18 at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.

Biffle’s Cessna 550 was reportedly attempting to land at around 10:15 a.m. at the airport just outside of Charlotte when the crash occurred.

Biffle had a 16-year career behind the wheel in the NASCAR Cup Series, starting 515 races and winning 19. He had 175 top ten finishes.

His last race with the series came in the 2022 Geico 500 in Talladega.

Biffle also drove 244 races on the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He won 20 of those and logged 149 more top 10 finishes. He also was behind the wheel for 83 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races, winning 17 of those with 55 top 10 finishes.

His death followed the passing of Nick Joanides on Dec. 5 and Michael Annett on Dec. 2.

Joanides, 55, was a star on the West Coast scene most recently making three starts in the ARCA West Series. He also drove in the NASCAR Xfinity Series when it was called the Nationwide Series.

Annett, 39, drove for JR Motorsports from 2017 through 2021 and the team shared the news of his death on social media.

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett was behind the wheel for 106 NASCAR Cup Series races, but never managed to finish in the top 10. While his results at that level were not eye-popping, Yahoo Sports noted he drove for a pair of “underfunded teams” in Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Racing.

Annett had more success on the Xfinity Series where he drove in 321 races with 95 top-10 finishes. His lone win came in the 2019 NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona International Speedway.

He also drove in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with two top-10 finishes.

ARCA posted a statement on X about both the deaths of Joanides and Annett that read, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of ARCA Menards Series driver Michael Annett and ARCA Menards Series West driver Nick Joanides, both of whom passed away recently.”

CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.

Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).

Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”

The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.

“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”

Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.

Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.

Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here

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