The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series regular season will draw to a close on August 28 with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, a race that has become a benchmark for the series' expanding roster.
A crowded grid reshapes the playoff picture
With 41 cars entered, the Daytona event marks only the third non‑Daytona 500 race since November 2018 to exceed 40 entries, underscoring the series' growing depth and the tight competition for the final three playoff spots.
Five drivers will make their Cup debuts, including Joey Gase in the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, Casey Mears in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet, Gray Gaulding in the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford, Corey Heim in the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota and Daniel Dye in the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet.
One of those newcomers will miss the field because the entry limit of 40 cars forces a selection, while the iconic No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota will be renumbered back to its traditional number as a tribute to its sponsor.
NBC will broadcast the race live at 7:30 p.m. ET, bringing the culmination of a season that has seen new teams, fresh talent and a reshuffled schedule to millions of viewers.