The New Era of Stock Car Racing: Introducing the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
NASCAR is entering a transformative phase for its secondary national series. Starting in 2026, the series transitions to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, marking a significant shift in sponsorship and broadcasting. This move follows the conclusion of Xfinity’s tenure as the title sponsor.
- New Title Sponsor: O’Reilly Auto Parts takes over as the primary sponsor for 2026.
- Exclusive Broadcasting: All races will air exclusively on The CW Network.
- Season Timeline: The 45th season runs from February 14 to November 7, 2026.
- Defending Champion: Jesse Love of Richard Childress Racing enters as the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion.
2026 Season Schedule and Venue Highlights
The 2026 campaign kicks off on February 14 with the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. The season will conclude on November 7 with the Hard Rock Bet 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Strategic Schedule Changes
NASCAR is diversifying its track lineup for the 2026 season. According to reports, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is introducing several key changes to its itinerary:
- New Additions: The series joins a tripleheader weekend at Naval Base Coronado in June.
- Returning Venues: The series returns to Chicagoland Speedway in July.
- Expanded Dates: Darlington Raceway will now host a second race date in the fall.
Driver and Team Outlook
The grid for the 45th season features a mix of veteran presence and rising talent. As of the current standings, Justin Allgaier holds the lead in points.
Notable Team Alignments
| Team | Driver | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Hendrick Motorsports | Corey Day | Chevrolet |
| Haas Factory Team | Sam Mayer / Sheldon Creed | Chevrolet |
| Alpha Prime Racing | Brennan Poole / Lavar Scott | Chevrolet |
| Jeremy Clements Racing | Jeremy Clements | Chevrolet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the series change its name?
The series is now known as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series because Xfinity did not extend their sponsorship agreement beyond the 2025 season.
Where can fans watch the 2026 races?
The series has moved its broadcasting exclusively to The CW Network.
Who is the reigning champion?
Jesse Love, driving for Richard Childress Racing, is the 2025 champion.
Looking Ahead
The transition to O’Reilly Auto Parts as the title sponsor and the move to The CW Network represent a bold strategic shift in how NASCAR reaches its audience. With the addition of unique venues like Naval Base Coronado and the return of fan favorites like Chicagoland, the 2026 season is poised to redefine the secondary national series’ identity.