Get ready, racing fans, because 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for NASCAR! Corey Day is set to take the wheel of the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for all 33 races in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series, marking Hendrick Motorsports' triumphant return to full-time competition in the series since 2007. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any comeback—it's a chance for Hendrick Motorsports to reclaim past glory, reminiscent of their 2003 championship win with Brian Vickers. And this is the part most people miss: the entire schedule will air exclusively on the CW, making it easier than ever for fans to catch every heart-pounding moment.
But let’s dive deeper. The 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Series schedule is packed with highlights, including a race at the iconic Naval Base Coronado and a July 4th showdown at Chicagoland Speedway. Controversially, the series will return to Rockingham Speedway for the second consecutive year, a move that has sparked debates among fans about tradition versus innovation. The Cup Series takes a break that weekend, leaving the spotlight squarely on the O'Reilly Series. Is this a strategic move to boost viewership, or a nod to Rockingham's storied history? We’ll let you decide in the comments.
For beginners, here’s a simplified breakdown: the O'Reilly Series largely mirrors the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, making it easy to follow both. All 33 races will be broadcast on the CW, with start times designed to maximize primetime viewing. From the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 14 to the playoff finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 7, every race promises edge-of-your-seat action.
Here’s the full schedule, so you can mark your calendars:
2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Series Schedule (All races on the CW):
- Feb. 14: Daytona International Speedway, 5 p.m.
- Feb. 21: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 5 p.m.
- Feb. 28: Circuit of the Americas, 3 p.m.
- March 7: Phoenix Raceway, 7:30 p.m.
- March 14: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 5:30 p.m.
- March 21: Darlington Raceway, 5:30 p.m.
- March 28: Martinsville Speedway, 3:30 p.m.
- April 4: Rockingham Speedway, 2:30 p.m. (Yes, Rockingham again—what’s your take?)
- April 11: Bristol Motor Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
- April 18: Kansas Speedway, 7 p.m.
- April 25: Talladega Superspeedway, 4 p.m.
- May 2: Texas Motor Speedway, 3:30 p.m.
- May 9: Watkins Glen International, 4 p.m.
- May 16: Dover Motor Speedway, 4 p.m.
- May 23: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5 p.m.
- May 30: Nashville Superspeedway, 7:30 p.m.
- June 13: Pocono Raceway, 4 p.m.
- June 20: Naval Base Coronado, 5 p.m.
- June 27: Sonoma Raceway, 5:30 p.m.
- July 4: Chicagoland Speedway, 5:30 p.m. (A holiday race to remember!)
- July 11: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 7 p.m.
- July 25: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4 p.m.
- Aug. 8: Iowa Speedway, 5 p.m.
- Aug. 28: Daytona International Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 5: Darlington Raceway, 7:30 p.m.
- Sept. 12: World Wide Technology Raceway, 7:30 p.m.
PLAYOFFS:
- Sept. 18: Bristol Motor Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 3: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 10: Charlotte ROVAL, 4 p.m.
- Oct. 17: Phoenix Raceway, 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 24: Talladega Superspeedway, 3:30 p.m.
- Oct. 31: Martinsville Speedway, 4 p.m.
- Nov. 7: Homestead-Miami Speedway, 5 p.m.
So, what do you think? Is Hendrick Motorsports poised for a championship run? Will Corey Day rise to the occasion? And is Rockingham’s repeat appearance a stroke of genius or a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this thrilling season ahead!
