The NASCAR Cup Series is set to return to Nashville Superspeedway this weekend for the Cracker Barrel 400, a 300‑lap event that will kick off the second half of the 2026 regular season.
Qualifying format gets a revamp
Saturday’s single‑car qualifying session will give each driver just one timed lap, using a new metric that relies on two variables and replaces the four‑variable system used from 2020 through 2024.
The entry list now features 38 drivers, with two open cars highlighted: the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota fielded for Corey Heim and the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford driven by Chad Finchum.
Austin Hill will take over the No. 33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing after the tragic loss of Kyle Busch, adding a new face to the lineup.
Broadcast and season context
The race will be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video at 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 31, marking the start of the series’ second half and promising a fresh slate of storylines.
Teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing will field entries, while veteran drivers like Joey Logano, William Byron and Kyle Larson are joined by rising talents including Zane Smith and Shane van Gisbergen.
With the new qualifying rules in place, crews are expected to experiment with strategy, making the upcoming event a focal point for fans and analysts alike.