The 2026 racing calendar marks a significant shift for NASCAR's second-tier competition, now officially known as the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. This rebranding follows 11 seasons under the Xfinity Series moniker. Despite the name change, fans can still expect a full season of thrilling Saturday afternoon and evening races, delivering the high-octane excitement they have come to love.
The upcoming season promises 33 weekends of intense competition, commencing in Daytona and culminating in Homestead-Miami. Last year's championship witnessed Jesse Love securing both the inaugural and final victories, ultimately claiming the drivers' title. However, rookie sensation Connor Zilisch captivated audiences by dominating the latter half of the season, achieving an impressive 10 wins, including a remarkable streak of seven victories in eight races. The stage is now set for new talents to emerge and define the narrative of the 2026 season.
All races for the 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will be broadcast on The CW Network, offering comprehensive coverage for enthusiasts. Additionally, live streaming options will be available through DIRECTV, ensuring fans can catch every moment of the action. DIRECTV provides access to a wide array of sports channels, including TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network, making it a comprehensive platform for sports viewing. Prospective viewers can initiate a free trial to experience uninterrupted sports and entertainment without any contractual obligations.
The schedule kicks off on February 14th with the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway, where Austin Hill emerged victorious in the previous season. Subsequent races include the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at EchoPark Speedway, won by Sheldon Creed, and the Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas, where Shane van Gisbergen triumphed. Other notable events feature the GOVX 200 at Phoenix Raceway, the LiUNA! at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway, all of which saw Justin Allgaier and Kyle Larson among the past winners. As the season progresses, races will be held at iconic tracks such as Bristol Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Texas Motor Speedway, with rising stars like Connor Zilisch and Corey Day making their mark.
The latter half of the season includes races at Watkins Glen International, Dover Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, and Pocono Raceway, showcasing continuous competition leading into the playoffs. The playoff series commences on September 5th with the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Darlington, followed by events at World Wide Technology Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway. Further playoff races will take place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Martinsville Speedway, all building up to the championship race on November 7th at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Each of these pivotal races will be broadcast on The CW and available via DIRECTV.
The restructured 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series promises an enthralling season for stock car racing fans. With a diverse array of tracks, a mix of established veterans and promising newcomers, and extensive broadcast coverage, the championship is poised to deliver memorable moments and fierce competition from start to finish.
