NASCAR’s 26‑race 2026 regular season reaches Iowa Speedway on August 9, where the Cup, O’Reilly Series and ARCA will collide on the 0.894‑mile oval.
Weekend Racing Calendar
Friday, Aug 7 – ARCA Menards Series practice at 3:30 pm EST; qualifying at 4:30 pm EST; 100‑lap race at 7:00 pm EST on FOX SPORTS 1. Saturday, Aug 8 – O’Reilly practice at 11:30 am EST (ESPN UNLIMITED) and qualifying at 12:30 pm EST (CW APP/ESPN UNLIMITED); Cup practice at 2:05 pm EST (TRUTV/HBO MAX) and qualifying at 3:10 pm EST (TRUTV/HBO MAX). The O’Reilly race, 250 laps, begins at 5:00 pm EST on the CW/ESPN UNLIMITED. Sunday, Aug 9 – pre‑race show at 3:00 pm EST (USA NETWORK) followed by the 350‑lap Cup round at 3:40 pm EST on USA NETWORK.
Championship Landscape
Denny Hamlin tops the standings, leading Tyler Reddick by 84 points. Austin Cindric sits on the 16th‑place bubble, 38 points ahead of Ryan Preece for a Chase berth. William Byron, the defending Iowa Cup champion, starts 2026 winless, while part‑time driver Corey Heim, victorious last week at Indianapolis, will miss the distance.
Where to Catch the Action
TV: USA NETWORK carries the Sunday Cup race. For Canadian fans, TSN offers the same feed. International viewers can consult local broadcasters. Live stream: USA NETWORK. Radio: MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio provide continuous commentary.
2018-Entry Overview
Thirty‑six cars will line the grid, with no open teams – a scenario that has only appeared twice earlier in 2026. Drivers and teams have already submitted their rosters, and the schedule allows fans to see every car in action from Friday’s ARCA session to Sunday’s Cup showdown.
Byron in a Hendrick Chevrolet
Brad Keselowski in a Roush Fenway Ford
With Denny Hamlin ahead of Tyler Reddick and Austin Cindric hovering on the chase bubble, this short‑track showdown promises another pivotal chapter in the 2026 season.
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