The Magic Mile Returns
The NASCAR Cup Series will make its long‑awaited comeback at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2026, ending a nine‑year absence from the playoffs and marking a symbolic return to the historic 1.058‑mile oval known as the ‘Magic Mile.’
Officially titled the Dollar Tree 301, the event will sit as the penultimate race of the 26‑race regular season, giving teams a final chance to fine‑tune strategies before the playoffs begin.
Because the track falls into the intermediate category, NASCAR will employ a single‑lap qualifying format, using a composite metric that blends each driver’s position in the owner standings with results from the most recent race to determine the starting order.
Fans can tune in live on August 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with coverage airing on USA Network, ensuring nationwide visibility for what promises to be a tightly contested finale.
The race will unfold on the four‑turn layout in Loudon, New Hampshire, a venue that has long been a favorite among drivers and spectators alike, and the return has already sparked excitement across the sport’s fan base.