NASCAR returns to Charlotte oval for 2026 Chase

NASCAR has announced a return to oval racing at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, replacing the ROVAL road course for the 2026 Chase. This decision follows significant fan demand for the traditional 1.5-mile oval format.

The Charlotte event will serve as the second “Elimination Race” in the championship playoffs, a critical stage that leads toward the season finale in November at Homestead-Miami.

In the current championship standings, Kyle Larson maintains his lead in the Chase with a 40-point advantage over Denny Hamlin and a 55-point lead over Christopher Bell. Other key competitors include Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney, who trail the leaders by 71 and 80 points, respectively.