CONCORD, N.C. – Talk about wanting to pick up right where you left off … 

For Kyle Larson, the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet team and Hendrick Motorsports in general, that would be an accurate statement entering the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Larson enters the year as the defending champion after capping off his second career title at Phoenix Raceway in November. 

The organization wouldn’t mind a start like the one that came in 2025 either. Chase Elliott won last year’s preseason Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium and the exhibition event will again kick off the premier series slate on Sunday, Feb. 1. William Byron followed that up with a second-straight win in the DAYTONA 500 and this year’s Great American Race is set for a 2:30 p.m. start on Feb. 15. 

Like any season, the 2026 campaign comes with its own set of changes. The Cup Series will return to Chicagoland Speedway for the first time since 2019. Alex Bowman won the most recent race at the 1.5-mile, D-shaped oval. 

RELATED: Hendrick Motorsports photographers pick best photos of 2025!

Another return sees the Cup Series head to North Wilkesboro for a points-paying event for the first time since 1996. Jeff Gordon won the last such event at the track with Terry Labonte also picking up a victory that season en route to his second career championship. 

Over July 4th weekend, all three NASCAR series will run at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego with the Cup Series event set for Sunday, July 5. And it all concludes with the championship race, which will return to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the first time since 2019. 

Again, TV assignments for the 2026 schedule will be split up among Fox, FS1, Prime, TNT, NBC and USA Network. 

Here’s a look the full schedule with start times and channels for every race: 

RELATED: Rarely seen “Days of Thunder” shoot photos featuring Tom Cruise, Rick Hendrick

Where is the NASCAR race this weekend?

(TV network in parentheses) 

• Sunday, Feb. 1: The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, 8 p.m. (FOX)
• Thursday, Feb. 12: The Duel at Daytona, 7 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, Feb. 15: DAYTONA 500, 2:30 p.m. (FOX)
• Sunday, Feb. 22: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 3 p.m. (FOX)
• Sunday, March 1: Circuit of the Americas, 3:30 p.m. (FOX)
• Sunday, March 8: Phoenix Raceway, 3:30 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, March 15: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 4 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, March 22: Darlington Raceway, 3 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, March 29: Martinsville Speedway, 3:30 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, April 12: Bristol Motor Speedway, 3 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, April 19: Kansas Speedway, 2 p.m. (FOX)
• Sunday, April 26: Talladega Superspeedway, 3 p.m. (FOX)
• Sunday, May 3: Texas Motor Speedway, 3:30 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, May 10: Watkins Glen International, 3 p.m. (FS1)

RELATED: Panini issues 1 of 1 Jeff Gordon trading card

• Sunday, May 17: All-Star Race at Dover Motor Speedway, 3 p.m. (FS1)
• Sunday, May 24: Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6 p.m. (Prime)
• Sunday, May 31: Nashville Superspeedway, 7 p.m. (Prime)
• Sunday, June 7: Michigan International Speedway, 3 p.m. (Prime)
• Sunday, June 14: Pocono Raceway, 3 p.m. (Prime)
• Sunday, June 21: Naval Base Coronado, 4 p.m. (Prime)
• Sunday, June 28: Sonoma Raceway, 3:30 p.m. (TNT)
• Sunday, July 5: Chicagoland Speedway, 6 p.m. (TNT)
• Sunday, July 12: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 7 p.m. (TNT)
• Sunday, July 19: North Wilkesboro Speedway, 7 p.m. (TNT)
• Sunday, July 26: Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 2 p.m. (TNT)
• Sunday, Aug. 9: Iowa Speedway, 3:30 p.m. (USA Network)
• Saturday, Aug. 15: Richmond Raceway, 7 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Aug. 23: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 3 p.m. (USA Network)
• Saturday, Aug. 29: Daytona International Speedway, 7:30 p.m. (NBC)

PLAYOFFS

• Sunday, Sept. 6: Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, 5 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Sept. 13: World Wide Technology Raceway, 3 p.m. (USA Network)
• Saturday, Sept. 19: Bristol Motor Speedway, 7:30 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Sept. 27: Kansas Speedway, 3 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Oct. 4: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 5:30 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Oct. 11: Charlotte ROVAL, 3 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Oct. 18: Phoenix Raceway, 3 p.m. (USA Network)
• Sunday, Oct. 25: Talladega Superspeedway, 2 p.m. (NBC)
• Sunday, Nov. 1: Martinsville Speedway, 2 p.m. (NBC)
• Sunday, Nov. 8: Homestead-Miami Speedway, 3 p.m. (NBC)

Getty

Carson Hocevar will take on a new NASCAR series.

Zeigler Automotive Group has renewed its NASCAR Cup Series sponsorship with driver Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports for the 2026 season. The agreement covers 11 races and places Zeigler.com and Zeigler Auto Group as the primary sponsors on the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

The company announced the renewal on Monday, extending a partnership that connects a Michigan-based automotive group with a Michigan native driver. Hocevar, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, continues his full-time Cup career with Spire Motorsports as the team builds on recent progress.

The sponsorship begins with NASCAR’s season-opening exhibition event and includes several major tracks on the 2026 schedule, according to reports from both regional and national media outlets.

Zeigler Automotive confirms renewed NASCAR deal

Zeigler Automotive Group confirmed the sponsorship renewal in a report published by News Channel 3 (WWMT). The company said it will serve as the primary sponsor for 11 NASCAR Cup Series races during the 2026 season.

Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing, stated that the partnership reflects the shared values between the company and the driver.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77 — it’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business, Zeigler said. Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track.”

Zeigler Automotive Group operates more than 30 dealerships across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The company continues to use motorsports partnerships as part of its long-term marketing strategy.

Carson Hocevar builds on strong Cup Series results

Hocevar enters the 2026 season after two productive years in the NASCAR Cup Series. According to News Channel 3, the 22-year-old recorded two top-five finishes and nine top-10 results during the 2025 season. His best finishes included second-place runs at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway.

Hocevar also earned his first career Cup Series pole position at Texas Motor Speedway. The Portage, Michigan native previously claimed the 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year award after finishing his rookie season with one top-five, six top-10s, and 13 top-15 results.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group, Hocevar said. I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle.”

He added that the support from Zeigler and the No. 77 team has remained consistent since the partnership began.

2026 race schedule for Zeigler-sponsored events

The Zeigler-sponsored schedule begins with the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1. The non-points exhibition race opens NASCAR’s season and will air live on FOX.

Zeigler branding will also appear on the No. 77 Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Chicagoland Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Richmond Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and Martinsville Speedway.

A separate report by Daily Express US, written by Rory Robinson, confirmed Zeigler Automotive Group will again serve as the primary sponsor for 11 races. The outlet also reported that the family-owned dealership network generates more than $2 billion in annual revenue and will remain aligned with Hocevar and Spire Motorsports in 2026.

The NASCAR Cup Series regular season opens at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, marking the start of another full season for Hocevar with Zeigler Automotive Group as a key partner.

Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce

Categories Chili Bowl News: 40th annual Chili Bowl Preview January 6, 2026 NASCAR Rumor: Trackhouse Racing loses Weathertech Sponsor January 6, 2026 NASCAR News: RFK Racing adds Biffle tribute section to its museum January 6, 2026 Formula E News: Jake Hughes hired as bench warmer by Mahindra Racing January 6, 2026 NASCAR News: Kyle Larson gets fresh No. 5 Valvoline Chevrolet paint scheme January 5, 2026 WEC/IMSA News: Ligier Automotive celebrates successful 2025, bullish on 2026 January 5, 2026 Formula 1 News: 2026 Livery Reveal Dates January 5, 2026 Dakar Rally Stage 2: Sanders wins on Bikes, Toyota sweeps cars…

FuelFest, the ultimate automotive lifestyle, music, and show experience, announced 2026 global tour — its most expansive calendar to date — featuring all-new events in Qatar, London, Southern California (Orange County), and Chicago, alongside six additional fan-favorite U.S. destinations.

FuelFest blends world-class car culture, live motorsports, and music with a deep commitment to giving back. Every ticket purchased has supported Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW). Since 2018, FuelFest events have raised more than $785,000 for the non-profit.

2026 Tour Dates and Locations

FuelFest’s 2026 global tour dates and locations are as follows:

• 1/23 QATAR – Katara South, Doha, Qatar
• 2/28 SOUTH FLORIDA – South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, FL
• 3/28 TAMPA – Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL
• 4/25 DALLAS-FT. WORTH – Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
• 5/30 BAY AREA – Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
• 6/13 SOCAL – OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
• 7/18 CHICAGO – SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL
• 7/25 United Kingdom
• 8/11 JAPAN – Fuji Speedway, Oyama, Shizuoka, Japan
• 9/19 NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ
• 12/5 PHOENIX – Firebird Motorsports Park, Chandler, AZ

“FuelFest has evolved greatly from when we started it in 2019, and thanks to our fans, we’ve gone even bigger and more global,” said Cody Walker, FuelFest founder and president. “We’re excited about returning to the Middle East and also heading to the U.S. Midwest, as well as all of our other amazing locations. The best part? No matter where we are, we’re surrounded by our automotive and music enthusiast family.”

A Preview of What’s New For 2026

FuelFest will offer fans all-new, fresh, and updated show layouts and programs, including expansion of its curated and themed car show zones:

• Taste of Tokyo: A high-profile showcase area with hand-picked JDM-style cars designed to mimic an underground car meet straight out of Japan.
• The People’s Choice Paddock: An ultra-limited, premier car show area where fans can peruse the chosen cars and cast their vote for their favorite, with the winner announced on the Festival Stage, as well as an online vote for the best of 2026.
• Increased Local Car Club Engagement, including registration incentives, discounts, featured placement, online collaborations, and more.
• Meet & Greet Drift Driver Autograph Session — new for 2026 — is the opportunity to meet fan-favorite drivers and automotive personalities.
• MORE: more professional drivers, automotive influencers, music, entertainment, and motorsport opportunities than ever before.

In 2026, the FuelFest team remains dedicated to offering unique, organized opportunities for professional and grassroots drivers to grow their programs alongside one another in front of thousands of engaged eventgoers.

“Building on the momentum of 2025 – which introduced new music artists, motorcycle stunts, off road demos, jet car drag racing, rally car thrill rides, wrestling, laser shows and more – FuelFest will expand on experiential offerings both on and off stage to bring even greater value to event attendees,” said Randal Smothers, FuelFest Global Marketing and Operations Director. “We’re excited to work hand in hand with some of the best venues in each market and bring the full FuelFest experience of live motorsports, music, and cars together for an unforgettable day.”

In 2026, FuelFest will announce new partnerships with brands and industry leaders, featuring all-new fan-focused exhibits, product demos, and guest speakers. Toyota GAZOO Racing joins FuelFest in 2026 as the festival’s “official performance vehicle partner,” which will seespecial brand presence, including vehicle displays, fan engagement, merchandise, and more.

Returning partners for 2026 include LiquiMoly, C4 Energy, Fitment Industries, Meguiar’s, O’Reilly Auto Parts, 303 Stabil, Jada Toys, X Comp Tires, SEMA+, and more, finding great value in what FuelFest has to offer, in-person and online.

Event information, car registration, and tickets can be found at www.FuelFest.com.

NASCAR’s iconic Daytona 500’s Duels have received a one-off title for 2026, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Speedway, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as the sponsor of ‘The America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona.’

Both Duels one and two are scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, setting the starting grid for the Daytona 500, which will kickstart the NASCAR season in earnest that Sunday.

The decision for FDOT to become a sponsor of the event was made as part of an existing partnership between the organization and the Speedway, with the ultimate goal of promoting safe driving in the region.

In a statement, the Speedway’s president, Frank Kelleher, said, “It’s an honor to welcome the Florida Department of Transportation as our new sponsor for the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona to help kick off Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in 2026.

Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.

“This sponsorship is a commitment to FDOT’s continued efforts to help keep Volusia County’s roadways safe. As we move forward on the shared journey toward a brighter future in Florida, there’s no better place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence than at The World Center of Racing.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who also serves as the chair of Florida’s Semiquincentennial Commission also released a statement, saying, “The history of automobile racing in Florida began in 1903 with a line drawn on the Florida sand, and throughout the years, the sport has rapidly grown in the state to make the Daytona 500 the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

“Duel at Daytona is an exciting way to commemorate that history for the America250FL initiative which celebrates Florida’s role in the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding.

“Visit America250FL.com and follow America250FL on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed about ways to commemorate America250FL and our history.”

Meanwhile, FDOT’s secretary, Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said he felt the Duel was “an ideal opportunity to honor Florida’s storied history” with the nation celebrating its founding.

The 2026 race will mark the 68th edition of the Daytona 500, one of the most renowned in American motorsports.

Reigning back-to-back winner, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, who was also recently named to the Drivers’ Advisory Council board, will be looking to become just the fifth three-time 500 winner, joining Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, and Bobby Allison. He would also become the first driver in history to win it three times in a row.

Currently, the record for most wins all-time at the track is appropriately held by the winningest driver in Cup Series history, seven-time champion Richard “The King” Petty. The 88-year-old won the race on seven occasions between 1964 and 1981.

However, a win for Byron would extend Hendricks’ lead as the most successful team at the track, with 10 wins to date, one ahead of Petty Enterprises.

Spire Motorsports and NASCAR Cup driver Carson Hocevar will again be backed in 2026 by Zeigler Automotive Group, a family-owned dealership network that generates over $2 billion in annual revenue.

The team announced on Monday afternoon that Zeigler will serve as the primary sponsor for 11 NASCAR Cup Series races, placing its branding on the No. 77 Chevrolet. Races will include events at tracks including Michigan, Pocono, Indianapolis, Bristol, Kansas, and Martinsville.

Zeigler has now tied itself to the driver previously penalized for his racing style across multiple seasons. The privately-backed company believes that the relationship synergy is much deeper than branding on the side of a car.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said the president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing, Aaron Zeigler.

“Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

The 22-year-old driver posted multiple top-10 finishes last year and led laps at Bristol and Michigan. His best finishes were two seconds at Nashville during the Cracker Barrel 400 won by Ryan Blaney, and in Atlanta for the Ambetter Health 400, which was the first of three consecutive wins for Christopher Bell.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group,” said Hocevar. “I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle.”

“The whole Zeigler family has been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

Hocevar found himself in hot water with drivers over the course of last season and has angered the likes of established veterans Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Blaney called Hocevar a “moron” for the way he raced in Atlanta.

Zane Smith expressed a desire to punch Hocevar after their collision, which was initiated by the No. 77 at Bristol, which saw Hocevar get loose and spin Smith into a barrier.

“No, I didn’t talk to him. And it’s just you’re not going to get anything from it. Like, I don’t really know how else you can explain that,” said Smith. You want to go up to him and punch him in the face, but that’s $75,000, and that’s not very cool.”

The 2026 NASCAR regular season begins at Daytona on Feb. 15.