NASCAR has announced that the 2026 season will feature a Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway in May, marking the 14th event of the year and the only NASCAR race scheduled in the city that year.
The upcoming event, officially titled the Cracker Barrel 400, will employ a new qualifying procedure that consists of a single one‑lap run for every driver, with the resulting lap times determining the entire starting grid.
Qualifying Order and Competitors
Drivers will take to the track in a predetermined order, and the fastest lap will set the lineup; among those expected to contend are Connor Zilisch, Ross Chastain and Kyle Larson, while Chase Briscoe, who captured three of seven poles during the 2025 season, aims to add another.
The format eliminates group splits, meaning every competitor is measured against the same benchmark, a change that officials say should heighten the drama of the session.
Looking Ahead
With the race slated for May 2026, teams are already preparing their setups, and the new qualifying rules are expected to influence strategy throughout the weekend. The event will join a calendar that blends traditional tracks with new venues, underscoring NASCAR’s continued expansion.