All articles tagged with #cup series
Martinsville Speedway hosts the Cook Out 400, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series' first short-track race, with Denny Hamlin earning pole and William Byron on the front row; the event is the first of two Martinsville races in 2026, with the second coming during the playoffs in November. After Easter off, the next race on the calendar is the Food City 500 at Bristol on April 12 at 3:00 p.m. ET on FS1.
Denny Hamlin captured the Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his 61st career win and second straight, moving to 10th on the all-time list. The piece spotlights three ups—Ty Gibbs, Chris Buescher and Christopher Bell—and three downs—Josh Berry, AJ Allmendinger and Connor Zilisch—as the NASCAR schedule shifts toward Darlington's Goodyear 400 this weekend.
NASCAR Cup Series stars led by Christopher Bell, Ryan Preece and Ty Dillon helped assign drivers to naval commands in a draft at Naval Base Coronado for NASCAR's inaugural Anduril 250 on June 21, aiming to build relationships with service members ahead of the San Diego street-course weekend, which will feature a tripleheader with other NASCAR series; the article also lists the full alphabetized squadron assignments for all Cup drivers.
Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix, delivering Team Penske a weekend sweep after a back-and-forth battle highlighted by a pivotal two-tire pit call and Blaney holding off Christopher Bell; Bell finished second, followed by Kyle Larson, Ty Gibbs, and Denny Hamlin, with drivers praising their teams and looking ahead to Las Vegas.
Tyler Reddick earned the pole for the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas after a two-group qualifying session, posting a 1:37.760, with Ross Chastain second and Chase Briscoe third. The full starting lineup is listed, and Michael McDowell paced Cup practice at COTA, ahead of Ryan Blaney and Connor Zilisch among others.
A photo gallery confirms the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series field for Circuit of The Americas, with Tyler Reddick on the pole in the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing. The 38-car lineup on the 2.4-mile Texas road course includes notable drivers such as Ross Chastain, Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Michael McDowell, AJ Allmendinger, Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, and Cody Ware, for a race airing Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX/HBO Max.
Jimmie Johnson announced at Daytona International Speedway that the 2027 Daytona 500 will be his final Cup Series start, capping a storied career that includes 83 wins and seven championships. The 50-year-old Hall of Famer plans to race part-time while remaining with Legacy Motor Club, with three races currently on his docket: this year’s Daytona 500, a Naval Base Coronado event, and next season’s Great American Race. Johnson emphasized he’s not retiring from racing entirely, just stepping back from full-time Cup competition, and expects an emotional farewell during the 2027 season.
Ryan Preece earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win in the weather-delayed Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, dominating the final laps; Denny Hamlin endured spins to finish fifth as fuel/restage decisions drew scrutiny; Daniel Suárez impressed in his first race for Spire Motorsports; the event sparked renewed discussion about the Clash’s future at the historic short track.
Denny Hamlin revealed he has re‑aggravated a shoulder injury and plans to race through the pain as the NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, speaking at a news conference before the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. He said surgery could be considered after the 2026 season and stressed managing the injury while staying healthy through a grueling schedule, amid personal hardships including his mother’s health and a family fire. Hamlin returned to the track with Joe Gibbs Racing for the preseason event, acknowledging some rust but intent on competing rather than sitting out the year.
Kurt Busch reflects on a storied 25-year NASCAR career as he prepares for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recounting major highs (a Cup title, Daytona 500 win, All-Star Race triumph) and the lows (media friction, injuries, and a 2022 concussion-era retirement), while signaling his ongoing ties to the sport through 23XI Racing and his nephew Brexton Busch.
Ford Racing announced via livestream that the Mustang Dark Horse SC, a supercharged variant of the Dark Horse, will race in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027, with a Daytona 500 debut planned at Daytona International Speedway, continuing Ford’s Dark Horse lineage that includes a 2024 Cup championship.
NASCAR.com provides in-depth previews for the 2026 Cup Series, outlining each team's outlook and listing a release schedule from January 6 to February 5, 2026, covering teams from Kaulig Racing through Hendrick Motorsports.
NASCAR Cup Series teams will conduct a one-day organizational test at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Tuesday as part of preparations for the new 750-horsepower rules for short tracks; one team from each chartered organization is expected to participate, with the test running 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET and free fan admission noon–5 p.m., ahead of the series’ first points-paying race at the track in 30 years on July 19.
Joey Logano had an uncharacteristic 2025 NASCAR season, finishing 7th with only one win and facing challenges with track position and consistency. Despite a tough year, he showed resilience in the playoffs, and his history of bouncing back suggests he could contend for a championship in 2026.
Kyle Larson won the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title without leading a lap, capitalizing on late-race opportunities, while Ryan Blaney won the race. Denny Hamlin was devastated after falling short in the championship, with tire issues affecting all finalists. The race highlighted strategic decisions and technical challenges, setting the stage for an offseason and upcoming races with new formats and packages.