Daniel Suarez, driver of the #9 Quaker State Chevrolet, celebrates with the Mexican flag after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Chilango 150 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 14, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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NASCAR News: with 2026 Race Schedules released, what’s next?

Posted by AR1 staff

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, released on August 20, 2025, does not include races in Montreal, Mexico City, or the Pacific Northwest. However, there is ongoing discussion about potential returns to these locations in the future, particularly for 2027 and beyond, based on industry sentiment and logistical considerations. Below is an update on each region:

Montreal (Canada)

Current Status: Montreal is not on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Despite earlier speculation about a potential race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2026, no confirmation materialized.
Industry Sentiment: NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy has indicated that a return to Canada is “high on their consideration set for 2027.” Conversations with Canadian promoters are ongoing, with interest in venues like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (which previously hosted Xfinity Series races) and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (a former Craftsman Truck Series venue). NASCAR has a significant Canadian fan base, and drivers like Brad Keselowski have advocated for an oval race in Canada to showcase NASCAR’s core racing style.
Challenges: Scheduling conflicts and logistical challenges have delayed a Canadian race. For instance, Formula 1’s Montreal race occupies a key summer slot, complicating NASCAR’s ability to secure a date. A French-Canadian newspaper report in March 2025 suggested a 2026 race, but this was unconfirmed, and the focus has shifted to 2027.
Outlook: A Canadian race remains a priority for NASCAR, with 2027 being a more likely target due to the absence of a confirmed 2026 slot and ongoing promoter discussions.

Mexico City

Current Status: Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is not on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The 2025 race, NASCAR’s first international Cup points event since 1958, was a one-off for now, replaced by Chicagoland Speedway in 2026.
Reasons for Exclusion: The primary barrier for 2026 is a scheduling conflict with the FIFA Men’s World Cup, which will host five matches in Mexico City from June 11 to July 5, 2026, occupying the track’s usual June slot. NASCAR explored a spring date around Easter or a NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader, but no agreement was reached. Logistical challenges, such as travel for teams and hauler drivers, also complicated a 2026 return.
Industry Sentiment: Both NASCAR and Mexico City are enthusiastic about continuing the relationship, with strong support from fans and industry sources for a return. NASCAR’s Ben Kennedy emphasized the success of the 2025 Mexico City race in attracting new fans and expressed hope for a 2027 return. The multi-year contract with the track suggests future races are likely.
Outlook: A return to Mexico City is probable for 2027, as scheduling conflicts ease post-World Cup, and NASCAR aims to maintain its international presence.

Pacific Northwest

Current Status: The Pacific Northwest, including tracks like Portland International Raceway, is absent from the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The Xfinity Series race at Portland has been removed for 2026, leaving the region without any NASCAR national series events.
Industry Sentiment: There is significant fan and industry interest in bringing NASCAR to the Pacific Northwest, which lacks a Cup race within an eight-hour drive for many fans. Posts on X reflect fan desire for a Cup race in the region, alongside other underserved areas like the Rocky Mountains. However, no specific track or date has been confirmed for 2026. NASCAR’s focus on new venues like San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado street course (June 19–21, 2026) suggests a prioritization of Southern California over the Pacific Northwest for now.
Challenges: The absence of a suitable Cup-ready track in the Pacific Northwest is a hurdle. Portland, primarily a road course, has hosted Xfinity races but is not currently slated for Cup events. Logistical considerations and the need for infrastructure upgrades at potential venues may also delay a return. NASCAR’s 2026 schedule already incorporates two new venues (San Diego and Chicagoland), limiting room for additional changes.
Outlook: While not on the 2026 schedule, the Pacific Northwest remains a “not lost cause” for NASCAR, with 2027 cited as the next opportunity for a potential race. Continued fan advocacy and NASCAR’s interest in regional diversity could drive future consideration.

Conclusion

While Montreal, Mexico City, and the Pacific Northwest are not part of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, discussions and interest in these regions persist, with 2027 emerging as a likely target for their inclusion. Mexico City’s absence is due to World Cup scheduling conflicts, but a return is anticipated.

Canada remains a high-priority market, with promoter talks ongoing. The Pacific Northwest faces logistical challenges but has strong fan support for a future race. NASCAR’s focus on balancing innovation (e.g., San Diego street race) with tradition (e.g., Chicagoland’s return) suggests these regions will remain under consideration as the sport expands its footprint.