The 2026 NASCAR Chase descends upon the 1.25‑mile World Wide Technology Raceway during the sport’s most critical postseason weekend, reuniting the premier Cup Series with the storied O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for a second time since 2010.
Event Overview
Race day on Sunday is slated for a 240‑lap showdown at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, to be televised live on USA Network, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, while Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions will air at 3:30 p.m. ET on truTV and SiriusXM, giving fans multiple windows to catch the action.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, which last graced this track in 2010, returns for a second appearance, adding a compelling layer of competition as the series’ 2025 winners, including Connor Zilisch of JR Motorsports, prepare to defend their titles.
Driver Legacies
Among the Cup contenders, Denny Hamlin, the 2025 victor at WWT Raceway, joins Joey Logano, the only driver to finish in the top five of every race at the venue, and Ryan Blaney, a Team Penske stalwart who has led 120 laps there without a win. Christopher Bell, fresh from a Darlington triumph, and Josh Berry, who posted six consecutive top‑10 finishes, round out a competitive field, while Kyle Busch’s memory looms large after his record‑setting 200‑lap victory in his final Cup win at this very track.
Betting interest is already surging, with Caesars Sportsbook publishing odds for the Cup race—Hamlin listed at +500 and Blaney at +450—while the O’Reilly series odds remain pending, underscoring the event’s growing stakes.
As the weekend approaches, the convergence of historic significance, seasoned competitors and fresh talent promises a compelling spectacle that will resonate beyond the track, capturing the essence of NASCAR’s enduring appeal.