What the competition is
NASCAR announced a 26-race regular season followed by a ten-race Chase in 2026. The championship no longer uses the previous series of elimination rounds culminating in a one-race title decider. A race win remains a race result; the driver championship depends on the applicable season points and Chase rules. Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series are separate championships.
Following the competition
For a race reminder, keep the series and track alongside the date. Practice and qualifying are not interchangeable with the main race, and an oval’s name alone may not identify the track configuration being used. For title analysis, replace old elimination-round graphics with the 2026 Chase explanation and distinguish a race winner from the championship leader.
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Championship | Cup is distinct from NASCAR’s other national series. |
| 2026 season | 26 regular-season races precede a ten-race Chase. |
| Old playoff charts | Elimination rounds no longer explain this format. |
| Two outcomes | Race victory and championship position answer different questions. |
Questions about this guide
Is the 2026 Cup champion determined only by winning the final race?
No. The returning Chase uses the applicable championship points format.
Do Truck Series results add to the Cup standings?
No. They are separate series.