Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota lead the field during the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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NASCAR News: 2026 Clash to stay in the United States

Posted by AR1 staff

Next season will end at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but where will the season opening non-points clash begin?

Ben Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice president, chief venue & racing innovation officer, suggested Tuesday that the Clash exhibition race will not be held internationally next year, although that remains an option beyond 2026.

“I think as far as next year goes, more than likely it will stay domestic here in the United States,” Kennedy said in response to a question from NBC Sports. “I wouldn’t ever rule out international in the future, though. We have thoughts about a lot of it being prior to the season, in the off-season, an exhibition race. It’s a great opportunity for us to bring NASCAR racing to other parts of the world.” NBC Sports