With the NASCAR season less than two weeks away, people throughout the industry are circling some events on the schedule. We are members of this group as we highlight our most anticipated events in which Cup Series drivers will compete
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As in past seasons, Ben Kennedy (NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer) as the team have made some significant changes to the schedule. This has helped NASCAR simultaneously inject some new life into the schedule while also continuing to focus on some of the "classics."
These are the five races that we can't wait to attend this season as drivers battle for the championship.
No. 1 - The return of Chicagoland Speedway
Once a bit of an afterthought on the Cup Series schedule, Chicagoland Speedway is returning at the perfect time. This track will host the Gen 7 car, which has vastly improved the racing product at intermediate tracks.
It will also serve host to a Fourth of July Weekend celebration for the Midwest. Fans have clamored for this track's return, so they should help create a truly festive atmosphere if they show up as promised.
Barring something unexpected, the NASCAR fans should be treated to a wild race full of bold moves, much like they have seen at Kansas Speedway or Charlotte Motor Speedway.
No. 2- The debut of Naval Base Coronado
Obviously, street races split the fanbase. Some love the unique addition to the schedule — we are in this group — while others truly dislike them. There isn't much common ground to be found when fans discuss this style of track.
Despite the conflict, the trip to San Diego is our second-most anticipated for multiple reasons. First off, NASCAR teams get to race on an active military base. That's truly unprecedented. This will create a race environment unlike any other in the world as drivers battle for position against the backdrop of aircraft carriers.
Another reason is the change in package. The street and road course races haven't been the most exciting in the Gen 7 era, but NASCAR is making some changes for 2026. The cars will have the 750-horsepower package, and Goodyear will continue to find tires that provide better fall-off for the drivers. If they hit the right combination, this race could feature some great battles.
The official course map for the San Diego race. pic.twitter.com/xZ6MfbIj7t
— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) October 21, 2025
The third reason is the market. The West Coast is always a fun place to visit. The food, music, and weather are all different than the markets where NASCAR regularly visits. Look, sometimes, we just want to get a big West Coast burrito that we can't find in Charlotte, Richmond, or Daytona.
No. 3 - The finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finally, a classic track is back where it belongs. Sure, NASCAR no longer decides the champion with a one-race battle now that the 10-race Chase has returned, but something just feels right about heading to South Florida to close out the season.
Homestead-Miami Speedway provides some of the best racing on the schedule as drivers try to find the fine line between ripping the fence and pushing too far. This intermediate track continues to deliver, whether it's buried in the spring portion of the schedule or it's hosting a fall race.
Putting Homestead-Miami Speedway back as the finale adds some extra luster. Multiple drivers could still be in contention for the Bill France Cup entering the last weekend of the season, which will only provide more storylines at one of the raciest tracks.
No. 4 - The return of the fall race on the Charlotte oval
NASCAR has not yet confirmed this move — The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi reported that the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval will replace the Roval on the schedule this fall. Based on Bianchi's track record, we will operate as if this is a certainty.
The Roval is fine — the part road course, part oval has nothing inherently wrong with it. But the oval is just better, especially in the Gen 7 era. The races are more entertaining, and they provide some uncertainty.
We won't enter the weekend just expecting Shane van Gisbergen to build up such a large lead that he can win and then watch the finish on the jumbotron during his cooldown lap, something he did last season. Honestly, that's just impressive.
This year, several drivers could potentially be in contention for the win on the final lap of the fall race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This could add some zest to the event
No. 5 - The fall race at Kansas Speedway
Kansas Speedway is similar to Homestead-Miami Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway in that its races do not disappoint in this current era of NASCAR. The 2024 spring race became the closest finish in series history. Last season's fall race featured conflict between Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace, which led to a surprise Chase Elliott win.
The fall race at Kansas Speedway gets the nod on our list of most anticipated events this season. The weather should be perfect for fans in attendance, and the race should continue to have some extra intensity due to its inclusion in The Chase. A win no longer represents an automatic trip to another round of the playoffs, but it provides an opportunity to lock up dozens of vital points.
