The NASCAR Cup Series is set to make its annual pilgrimage to Pocono Raceway this Sunday, marking the only event on the 2026 schedule that will take place at the 2.5‑mile, three‑turn layout in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
Pocono’s Unique Challenge
The track’s mix of long straights, tight corners and elevation changes offers a distinct test for drivers and crews, demanding a balance of speed and handling that few other venues can replicate.
Adding a twist to the weekend, two non‑chartered entries have been locked into the field, giving fans a rare glimpse of under‑funded teams battling alongside the championship contenders.
Charters, Teams, and the New Entrants
The No. 62 Chevrolet will be fielded by Beard Motorsports, with veteran Casey Mears behind the wheel, while the No. 78 Chevrolet belongs to Live Fast Motorsports and will be driven by rising star Daniel Dye. Both teams operate outside the charter system, relying on sponsorship and owner investment to meet the sport’s stringent entry requirements.
Mears, a former IndyCar and NASCAR veteran, returns to the Cup Series after a strong performance in the Xfinity Series, bringing a wealth of road‑course experience to the track’s long straights and tight corners. Dye, who made his Cup debut at Talladega earlier this season, finished 24th but showed promise in his rookie outing.
When and Where to Watch
The Great American Getaway 400 will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET. The stream is available to all Prime members at no additional cost, reflecting the series’ effort to broaden its audience beyond traditional cable packages.