Nascar May 2026

: The top 16 drivers qualify based solely on regular-season points (the "win-and-you're-in" rule has been retired).

: The third level, featuring modified pickup trucks. Race Format & 2026 Championship

Races are generally divided into , where the top 10 finishers of each stage earn bonus points. In a significant shift for the 2026 season, the NASCAR Cup Series returned to the "Chase" format used from 2004–2013: nascar

NASCAR operates three major national touring series, often referred to as a "ladder" for driver development:

: A 10-race postseason where points are re-seeded just once. There are no more eliminations throughout these final 10 races. : The top 16 drivers qualify based solely

NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is one of the world's premier motorsport organizations and a staple of American sports culture. Founded in 1948 by Bill France Sr., it has evolved from humble beginnings—rooted in Prohibition-era moonshine runners who modified cars to evade police—into a multibillion-dollar industry.

As of April 2026, the following drivers lead the Cup Series Standings : Tyler Reddick Denny Hamlin Ryan Blaney Chase Elliott Kyle Larson The Chase 101: How new championship format works In a significant shift for the 2026 season,

: The top-tier flagship series where the biggest stars compete.