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NASCAR Summer 2026 — Schedule & Games

8 Cup Series races July–August 2026. From the legendary Brickyard 400 at Indy to North Wilkesboro's 30-year return — then play free oval racing games inspired by every track.

🏁 Play Oval Racing 🏆 Brickyard 400 Guide

2026 NASCAR Cup Series — Summer Schedule

All 8 summer races · July 5 to August 29

JUL
5

Quaker State 400

Atlanta Motor Speedway
NASCAR
JUL
12

Grant Park 165

Chicago Street Course
NASCAR
JUL
19

North Wilkesboro Window World 450

North Wilkesboro Speedway · Historic return — closed 30 years
Preview →
JUL
26

Brickyard 400

Indianapolis Motor Speedway · Summer's biggest NASCAR race
Preview →
AUG
2

FireKeepers Casino 400

Michigan International Speedway
NASCAR
AUG
9

Cook Out 400

Richmond Raceway
NASCAR
AUG
16

Go Bowling at The Glen

Watkins Glen International
NASCAR
AUG
29

Coke Zero Sugar 400

Daytona International Speedway
NASCAR

About NASCAR's Summer Season

NASCAR's summer stretch from July through August is the most competitive phase of the Cup Series season. With playoff implications on the line, every race matters — but summer also delivers the most iconic venues and stories.

North Wilkesboro: The Return Nobody Thought Would Happen

When North Wilkesboro Speedway closed its doors after the 1996 season, fans assumed it was gone forever. The short 0.625-mile oval in the North Carolina foothills had hosted Cup races since 1949, shaping the careers of legends like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Junior Johnson. Its closure was NASCAR's clearest signal of moving away from small-town heritage toward mega-markets.

Then 2023 happened. The All-Star Race returned to North Wilkesboro, and the crowd response was overwhelming. For 2026, the track earns a full points race — the Window World 450 on July 19 — completing one of the most improbable comebacks in motorsport history.

The Brickyard 400: NASCAR's Most Prestigious Summer Race

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is synonymous with the Indianapolis 500, but NASCAR's Brickyard 400 has carved its own legacy since 1994. The yard of bricks at the start/finish line — the only remaining section of the original 1909 brick surface — remains NASCAR's most photographed trophy moment.

NASCAR 2026 FAQ

What is the biggest NASCAR race in summer 2026?

The Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26 is the marquee event. The yard of bricks at the start/finish line is one of NASCAR's most iconic traditions.

Why is North Wilkesboro so significant in 2026?

North Wilkesboro Speedway closed after the 1996 season and sat dormant for 30 years. Its 2026 return as a full Cup Series points race — the Window World 450 on July 19 — is the biggest nostalgia event in NASCAR's recent history.

How many NASCAR Cup races are in summer 2026?

Eight Cup Series races from July 5 to August 29, including tracks like Atlanta, Chicago Street Course, North Wilkesboro, Indianapolis, Michigan, Richmond, Watkins Glen, and Daytona.

Where can I play free NASCAR oval racing games?

EaseGame has free browser NASCAR-style games including Mr. Racer Car Racing (oval track) and Brickyard 400 Oval Racer — play right now with no download or account needed.