A weekend of high stakes at Pocono
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is set to resume this Saturday at the historic Pocono Raceway, marking the 17th points‑paying event of the 2026 season. The upcoming race will feature a blend of veteran talent and rising stars, all eyeing the valuable stage points that could shape the championship picture.
Three current NASCAR Cup Series regulars — Cole Custer, Connor Zilisch and William Byron — are slated to take part in the O’Reilly contest, adding extra star power to the field. Each driver brings a distinct narrative: Custer’s consistent mid‑season form, Byron’s aggressive track‑side maneuvers and Zilisch’s recent breakthrough.
Zilisch enters the weekend as the defending track winner, having captured the June 2025 edition with Dale Earnhardt Jr. serving as his crew chief. The partnership proved pivotal last year, and the team hopes to repeat the feat on the 2.5‑mile triangular layout that rewards both speed and strategy.
Organizers have confirmed a total of 38 entries for the event, underscoring the growing popularity of the series and the competitive depth across the grid. While the lineup includes a mix of full‑time Cup drivers and part‑time competitors, the presence of the three regulars is expected to draw heightened fan interest.
The race will be broadcast live on the series’ primary streaming platform, with coverage extending to traditional television partners in the United States. Fans can anticipate a weekend filled with practice sessions, qualifying runs and a final showdown that could have implications for the playoff picture later in the year.