NASCAR has officially released the entry list for the 2026 Coca‑Cola 600, the season‑opening race that will be held on Sunday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Entry List Overview
The grid will feature 39 drivers, comprising 36 full‑time competitors who are part of the series’ charter system and three open entries — Timmy Hill, Corey Heim and Katherine Legge — who will attempt to make the field.
This event marks Charlotte’s first oval date of the 2026 schedule, as the former ROVAL layout has been taken out of service for the year, shifting the focus to the high‑speed oval that traditionally draws a massive crowd.
A New Chapter at Charlotte
All three of NASCAR’s national series — the Cup Series, the Xfinity Series and the Truck Series — will be on track this weekend, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience competition across the entire lineup in a single weekend.
The entry list also reflects the second season of the charter era, during which every chartered team has secured a full‑time driver, underscoring the series’ move toward greater stability and long‑term planning.
Teams such as 23XI Racing, Garage 66 and Live Fast Motorsports have announced their driver lineups, adding depth to a field that includes some of the sport’s most recognizable names.
Fans can expect a packed schedule of practice, qualifying and race action, with the weekend serving as a showcase for the sport’s growing popularity and the continued evolution of its competitive format.