Overview

• NASCAR confirmed it will not hold the Grant Park Street Race in 2026 with plans to return in 2027 on a new date and with reduced buildout and breakdown times.
• Bowman Gray Stadium’s Cook Out Clash was officially added to the 2026 Cup Series schedule, underscoring NASCAR’s renewed focus on grassroots venues.
• Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet is the leading fallback option to replace Chicago’s street race, buoyed by fan enthusiasm for 1.5-mile ovals running the Gen-7 car.
• Discussions are advancing on a potential 2026 street race in San Diego, which would mark NASCAR’s first California points event since Auto Club Speedway’s closure.
• Mexico City’s Cup Series return remains in limbo due to date conflicts with the FIFA World Cup and Formula 1, according to NASCAR President Steve Phelps.