The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is winding down, with just four events left on the schedule, the next of which is the Iowa Corn 350. The race will be shown live on USA Network at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on August 9, 2026, bringing fans a final chance to see the championship picture take shape.
Playoff picture tightening
Nine drivers are already on the brink of elimination, including Hendrick Motorsports veteran Alex Bowman, as point deficits tighten. Cody Ware of Rick Ware Racing and Connor Zilisch from Trackhouse Racing have been mathematically ruled out, while Riley Herbst, piloting the 23XI Racing entry, sits just 148 points behind the cut line.
Points mechanics
Each race awards a total of 76 points: 55 to the race winner, 10 points split between the stage one and stage two winners, and a single point for the driver who posts the fastest lap. This structure means every stage and every lap can swing the standings dramatically.
Broadcast and stakes
The points on offer shrink after Iowa, leaving only 228 points available across the remaining events, a factor that could accelerate eliminations. With the ‘win and in’ rule removed, drivers outside the top tier can no longer rely on a surprise upset at Daytona to force their way into the playoffs.
Teams and sponsors
The contending organizations include Hendrick Motorsports, whose technical partnership with Chevrolet remains a dominant force, Rick Ware Racing, a veteran-owned team navigating a tight budget, Trackhouse Racing, which has been aggressive in driver development, and 23XI Racing, co‑owned by former champion Bubba Wallace.