
Five Drivers Eye Playoff Spots as 2026 NASCAR Season Approaches
With the 2026 Cup Series playoffs on the horizon, five drivers are positioned to break into the postseason, each navigating distinct challenges and recent performances.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning North Wilkesboro Speedway across Nascar.

With the 2026 Cup Series playoffs on the horizon, five drivers are positioned to break into the postseason, each navigating distinct challenges and recent performances.

NASCAR’s leadership is shifting from discussion to concrete strategy, targeting new markets abroad while reinforcing its domestic roots.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign for Garage 66 (MBM Motorsports) features a rotating driver lineup, a Daytona 500 qualifying effort by Casey Mears, and a strategic schedule that omits the Brickyard 400 but targets five upcoming races, including playoff dates.

Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott and Todd Gilliland battle in a unique tournament where advancement hinges on head‑to‑head results, setting the stage for surprising outcomes.

Rain forced NASCAR to abandon qualifying at North Wilkesboro, using performance metrics to set the starting order for the Window World 450, with Blaney on pole and several front‑row contenders, while Wallace and Larson begin deep in the field.

Veteran analyst Stevie breaks down the upcoming 450‑lap Cup race at North Wilkesboro, detailing the track’s recent repave, stage splits, points mechanics and the research that fuels his fantasy recommendations.
The 21st points race at North Wilkesboro Speedway reshaped the standings, with Denny Hamlin leading a tight battle for the Chase and several mid‑tier drivers fighting to stay above the cutline.

Tyler Reddick opened the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series with three straight victories and five wins in the first 15 races, but a string of crashes, mechanical failures and bad luck has seen him slip behind Denny Hamlin in the standings. Now focused on data-driven improvements, he aims to peak when it matters most.

Fans continue to question the sport's qualifying system, which blends owner standings and recent race results, while manufacturers and officials defend its fairness

The second‑year NASCAR In‑Season Challenge reaches its quarterfinal round at Atlanta Motor Speedway, featuring four high‑stakes matchups and a live broadcast on TNT Sports.

Corey Heim is poised to step into a full‑time role with 23XI Racing for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series, taking the seat that will be vacated by Riley Herbst. The move comes after a promising part‑time campaign that has already yielded his first career victory.

After nearly two decades away, Jamie McMurray is back in the Craftsman Truck Series, joining Kaulig Racing for a select slate of races while Colin Braun steps in at Lime Rock Park.

Kaulig Racing announced that Colin Braun will drive the No. 25 RAM 1500 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Lime Rock Park on July 11, bringing his IMSA pedigree and road‑course experience to the series.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule features a mix of iconic ovals and road courses, highlighted by Shane van Gisbergen’s Sonoma win, Alex Bowman’s 2019 Chicagoland victory, and a competitive points battle heading into July.

Amazon Prime Video's brief NASCAR Cup Series stint ends, making way for TNT Sports to take over the next five races with a new roster of announcers and a fresh tournament format.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season marks the second year of a seven‑year, $7.7 billion broadcast deal, introducing new venues, schedule changes and unchanged commentary talent.

Amazon Prime Video will no longer broadcast NASCAR Cup races in 2026, as a new media deal redistributes rights among Fox, NBC, and TNT Sports, while the In‑Season Challenge prepares for its second edition.

TNT Sports expands its NASCAR coverage with Jimmie Johnson’s debut on June 28, adding veteran analysis and a new broadcast team.

The legendary driver turns his expertise to commentary, while also expanding his racing operations with Legacy Motor Club.

TNT Sports will debut Jimmie Johnson as a NASCAR analyst on June 28 at Sonoma Raceway, while Marty Smith and Jeff Burton join the broadcast team for the upcoming races.

TNT Sports announces the addition of Jimmie Johnson to its NASCAR analyst roster, marking a key move in its coverage of the In‑Season Challenge, with races at Sonoma, North Wilkesboro and Indianapolis slated for live coverage.

The 2026 NASCAR In-Season Challenge will feature a 32‑driver bracket, beginning at Sonoma Raceway and ending at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with Ty Gibbs defending a $1 million title.

Carson Hocevar's best Cup finish at Michigan ignited a nine‑car crash, drawing criticism from peers and prompting Denny Hamlin to weigh his racing future.

A nine‑car crash at Michigan International Speedway has put Carson Hocevar in the spotlight, prompting criticism from veterans and a cautionary note from Bubba Wallace, while Denny Hamlin ponders his racing future.