NASCAR fans can mark their calendars for a high‑octane July weekend in 2026, as the series unveiled the green‑flag times for two of its most anticipated events. The action kicks off at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut on Saturday, July 12, with the NASCAR Truck Series taking the green flag at 1:23 p.m. Eastern Time.
Later that same day, the track will host the O'Reilly Auto Parts‑sponsored NASCAR Xfinity Series, commonly known as the O'Reilly Series, at 7:17 p.m. ET. The excitement will spill over into Sunday, when the premier NASCAR Cup Series takes over EchoPark Speedway, with its race scheduled to start at 7:19 p.m. ET.
A superspeedway showdown to close the regular season
The double‑header marks the second‑to‑last superspeedway weekend of the Cup Series regular season, a stretch that traditionally sets the stage for the playoffs. Both EchoPark and Lime Rock are classic ovals that demand a blend of drafting skill and strategic pit work, promising close competition and dramatic finishes.
Broadcast partners will carry the coverage across the United States. FOX Sports 1 will televise the Truck Series race, while The CW and TNT will share the Xfinity and Cup Series broadcasts, ensuring that viewers can follow every lap on either network.
For teams and drivers, the schedule offers a rare opportunity to test setups on two distinct tracks within a single weekend. Lime Rock’s technical layout contrasts sharply with EchoPark’s high‑speed oval, giving competitors a chance to fine‑tune their programs before the season‑ending push.
Fans attending the events can expect a full weekend of activities, from driver autograph sessions to pit‑lane walks, as NASCAR continues to blend on‑track competition with a festival‑like atmosphere. Ticket packages are already on sale through the official NASCAR website.