The NASCAR Cup Series points system in 2026 places a clear emphasis on winning races while still rewarding consistency throughout each event. With changes to the scoring structure, drivers can now earn significantly more points for victories, making race wins valuable for those with championship aspirations.
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At the same time, the system ensures that drivers accumulate points across multiple aspects of a race weekend. Finishing position, stage results and bonus opportunities all contribute to the overall standings, which determine who advances to the postseason.
Every race throughout the 36-race season plays a role in shaping the championship picture. Drivers who consistently perform well across stages and race finishes can gain ground, while those who struggle risk falling behind quickly.
With the return of The Chase format in 2026, the importance of points has increased even further. Only the top 16 drivers in the regular-season standings qualify for the postseason, making every point critical from the opening race onward.
How NASCAR Race Points Work
The majority of points in the NASCAR Cup Series come from finishing position in each race. Under the 2026 format, the race winner earns 55 points, creating a significant gap compared to second place, which receives 35 points.
From there, points decrease by one position throughout the field. Third place earns 34 points, fourth receives 33, and the structure continues downward. Drivers finishing 36th through 40th still receive one point, ensuring all competitors earn something toward the standings.
How Stage Points Work
The NASCAR Cup Series awards additional points during races through its stage system. Each race is divided into three stages, with points awarded at the end of Stage 1 and Stage 2.
The top 10 drivers in each stage receive points, with first place earning 10 points and 10th place earning one. These points are immediately added to the standings, encouraging aggressive racing before the end of each stage.
Fastest Lap Bonus Point
The 2026 NASCAR season also includes a fastest lap bonus. The driver who records the fastest lap during a race earns one additional championship point.
However, drivers are not eligible for this bonus if their car has been taken to the garage during the race, even if they return later. This rule prevents teams from focusing solely on chasing the fastest lap.
Maximum Points Available In A Race
A driver can earn a significant number of points in a single race by maximizing every opportunity available. The highest possible total comes from winning both stages, setting the fastest lap and winning the race.
That scenario results in 55 race points, 20 stage points and one fastest lap point, totaling 76 points in a single event.
How Drivers Qualify For The Chase
The NASCAR Cup Series returned to The Chase championship format in 2026. Under this system, the top 16 drivers in the regular-season standings qualify for the postseason.
Unlike previous formats, race wins alone do not guarantee a playoff spot. Instead, overall points determine qualification, placing added importance on consistent performance across the season.
Here's How To Watch The NASCAR Schedule 2026
NASCAR Cup Series races throughout the 2026 season air across multiple broadcast partners, including FOX, FS1, Prime Video, TNT, USA Network and NBC. Streaming is also available on HBO Max for every race listed on the schedule.
NASCAR Cup Series Schedule 2026
Here's the remaining NASCAR schedule
- 2:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas, Kansas Speedway (FOX, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega, Talladega Superspeedway (FOX, HBO Max)
- 3:30 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Texas, Texas Motor Speedway (FS1, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen, Watkins Glen International (FS1, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series All Star Race, Dover Motor Speedway (FS1, HBO Max)
- 6:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway (Prime Video, HBO Max)
- 7:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Nashville, Nashville Superspeedway (Prime Video, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan, Michigan International Speedway (Prime Video, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Pocono, Pocono Raceway (Prime Video, HBO Max)
- 4:00 PM ET: NASCAR Truck Series at San Diego, Naval Base Coronado (Prime Video, HBO Max)
- 3:30 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Sonoma, Sonoma Raceway (TNT, HBO Max)
- 6:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Chicago, Chicagoland Speedway (TNT, HBO Max)
- 7:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Atlanta, Echopark Speedway (TNT, HBO Max)
- 7:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at North Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro Speedway (TNT, HBO Max)
- 2:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (TNT, HBO Max)
- 3:30 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Iowa, Iowa Speedway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 7:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond, Richmond Raceway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire, New Hampshire Motor Speedway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 7:30 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona, Daytona International Speedway (NBC, HBO Max)
NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Schedule 2026
- 5:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington, Darlington Raceway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at World Wide Technology Raceway, World Wide Technology Raceway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 7:30 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol, Bristol Motor Speedway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas, Kansas Speedway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 5:30 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas, Las Vegas Motor Speedway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix, Phoenix Raceway (USA Net, HBO Max)
- 2:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Talladega, Talladega Superspeedway (NBC, HBO Max)
- 2:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville, Martinsville Speedway (NBC, HBO Max)
- 3:00 PM ET: NASCAR Cup Series at Miami, Homestead-Miami Speedway (NBC, HBO Max)
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