The NASCAR Cup Series made a rare comeback to North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend, marking the first points‑race appearance at the half‑mile track in three decades.
A Historic Return
Joey Logano seized the victory, becoming the first driver since Jeff Gordon in 1996 to win a points event at the venue, a moment that resonated with longtime fans.
The win also signaled the end of Dover Motor Speedway’s 57‑year streak of hosting Cup Series points races, as the Delaware venue will not feature a points event in 2026.
Schedule Overhaul
Series officials confirmed that Dover’s traditional date will be shifted to North Wilkesboro next year, while other recent additions such as the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez street circuit and the Chicago Street Course have been dropped from the calendar.
In a broader strategic move, NASCAR announced that the 2026 postseason will consist exclusively of oval tracks, replacing the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval playoff race with a second event at Charlotte and consolidating the championship format.
The revised schedule will feature a ten‑race ‘Chase’ for the first time since 2013, underscoring the series’ focus on traditional racing venues and its effort to appeal to core fan bases.