NASCAR announced a sweeping revision to its practice schedule for the 2026 championship playoffs, known as the Chase. The new format does away with the split‑group sessions that previously divided the field into two 25‑minute blocks, a structure that had drawn criticism for leaving drivers uncertain about track conditions.
Open practice returns for most events
All teams will now enjoy a single 50‑minute open practice session at every non‑superspeedway race, beginning with the August 23 weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In addition to the extended window, competitors will receive an extra set of tires, giving them more flexibility in strategy and setup.
Superspeedway staples such as Daytona and Talladega will forgo practice altogether, moving straight into qualifying. The move is intended to preserve the unique racing dynamics of those tracks while further trimming the amount of on‑track time required.
Homestead‑Miami Speedway, which traditionally hosts the season‑ending race, will keep its longer practice session, ensuring teams have ample opportunity to fine‑tune their cars before the final showdown.
Continuity in qualifying and rain procedures
NASCAR confirmed that the current qualifying format and rain‑out protocols will remain unchanged. The series will continue to rely on the same methods used in recent years to determine starting grids and manage weather‑related delays.
The adjustments are part of a broader effort to curtail on‑track activity and lower costs, a policy that originated during the Covid‑19 pandemic when the sport trimmed weekend schedules to limit travel and operational expenses. By consolidating practice sessions and eliminating redundant formats, NASCAR hopes to streamline race weekends while preserving the competitive integrity of its events.