This weekend the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series rolls into San Diego for its annual qualifying weekend, bringing a blend of road‑course grit and oval excitement to the West Coast. The event, scheduled for Saturday, June 20, will determine the starting order for the upcoming race and mark a key moment in the season’s early narrative.
Qualifying will be streamed live on Prime Video, with the broadcast also airing on the MRN radio network and SiriusXM. Prime Video’s coverage includes all practice sessions and qualifying rounds, except for the season‑opening Clash, the Daytona 500 and the All‑Star Race, giving viewers uninterrupted access to the build‑up and analysis.
Among the 38 drivers entered, Shane van Gisbergen enters as the odds‑on favorite, while veteran names such as Kevin Magnussen and Jimmie Johnson are expected to make a strong impression. The live timing feed will list the drivers in the exact order they take to the track, ensuring every lap is accounted for.
A Star‑Studded Field
The qualifying order features a mix of seasoned champions and rising talents, including names such as Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, alongside emerging competitors like Zane Smith and Noah Gragson. This blend of experience and youthful energy promises a dynamic showdown for pole position.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event underscores NASCAR’s expanding digital footprint. Partnerships with platforms like Trackhouse help the series reach a broader audience across the United States, while the live radio broadcast on MRN and SiriusXM provides an additional layer of engagement for fans listening on the go.
With the qualifying session set to showcase the full roster of drivers, including Corey Heim, Austin Dillon, Ryan Blaney and many others, the stage is set for a weekend that could reshape early season storylines. Fans can expect a high‑octane experience both on screen and on the airwaves as the sport continues to evolve its digital and broadcast strategy.