The NASCAR Cup Series is set to close out its regular season with a pivotal showdown at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the 301‑lap Dollar Tree 301 scheduled for August 22, 2026.
Qualifying earlier in the day locked in the starting order for the 1.058‑mile oval, known colloquially as the “Magic Mile,” which will see the green flag drop at 2 p.m. ET.
Penske’s Legacy on the Loudon Track
Team Penske has a storied history at the New Hampshire venue, capturing eight Cup Series victories, the first of which came when Rusty Wallace won in 1993. The organization’s recent surge includes three wins in the last four races of the 2026 schedule, underscoring its competitive edge.
Defending race winner Ryan Blaney, who claimed his maiden victory at Loudon last year, returns as a front‑runner. Joining him among the Penske lineup are Joey Logano and Austin Cindric, both of whom have factored prominently in the team’s recent successes.
The event will be broadcast live on USA, MRN radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90, giving fans multiple platforms to follow the action. With the regular season winding down, the outcome could heavily influence playoff positioning heading into the postseason.
Beyond the competition, the race carries historic significance as the penultimate date on the 2026 calendar, marking the final opportunity for drivers to fine‑tune strategies before the playoffs. Fans can expect a high‑stakes, tightly contested affair as teams and drivers vie for momentum.