The Road to the Chase
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series will conclude its regular season with the Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on August 23, 2026, a date that also serves as the penultimate opportunity for drivers to lock in a spot in the Chase.
Among the contenders, Ryan Blaney, pilot of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, enters the event with momentum from two victories earlier in 2025, a factor that analyst Mike Organ says gives him a clear edge.
Christopher Bell, driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing entry, is widely expected to dominate the New Hampshire track, where his skill set aligns with the venue’s demands.
Chase Briscoe, also under the Joe Gibbs Racing banner but in the No. 19 Toyota, is forecasted to win despite having missed a victory in the previous race, a narrative that adds intrigue to the final showdown.
Toyota’s continued dominance in the 2026 Cup Series further bolsters the expectations placed on its drivers, while Austin Cindric and Shane van Gisbergen see the race as a chance to clinch a Chase berth with a strong performance.
For drivers like Ryan Preece and Ross Chastain, the New Hampshire race combined with the season‑ending Daytona event represents a must‑win scenario to remain in contention for the Chase, underscoring the high stakes of the upcoming weekend.