A stacked field prepares for the 2026 North Carolina Education Lottery 200
Charlotte Motor Speedway is gearing up for the 2026 North Carolina Education Lottery 200, a Truck Series event that will feature a full complement of 38 trucks on the historic oval.
The official entry list, released this week, highlights a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, with names that have become synonymous with American stock car racing.
International flair and veteran presence
Among the confirmed drivers, Kyle Busch stands out as a two‑time NASCAR Cup champion whose cameo appearance is expected to draw additional attention to the race.
Joining him will be New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen, who continues to make waves after his successful transition to the Cup Series, adding an international flavor to the lineup.
Also on the roster is rising star Carson Hocevar, who has been a consistent presence in the series, while Travis Pastrana will take the wheel of the No. 25 Kaulig Racing entry, bringing his rally‑cross pedigree to the track.
The removal of the ROVAL configuration from Charlotte’s schedule for 2026 signals a return to the traditional oval layout, a change that teams say will affect strategy and setup decisions.
Sponsorships play a major role in the event, with Coca‑Cola, O’Reilly Auto Parts and other partners backing teams as the season progresses toward its mid‑year climax.
Fans can anticipate a competitive showdown, as the combination of established champions and emerging drivers promises a dynamic race that could reshape the playoff picture.