THE GOVX GUIDE TO THE
2026 NASCAR Season
It’s time to slide back into the driver’s seat.
For a sport that’s built on speed, the NASCAR off-season has a way of just flying by. Now that we’re firmly entrenched in 2026, attention is back on track as TEAM GOVX preps for the second year of our official partnership highlighted by the GOVX 200, coming up on Sunday, March 7th at the legendary Phoenix Raceway.
For fans like you, there’s a few key changes and crucial updates to catch up on before the green flag drops. But hey, that’s what we’re here for – that and the ticket discounts of course.
LET'S GO!
THE RETURN OF THE CHASE
If you’ve been a loyal motorsports fan for years, this should bring back some major memories. New for 2026, NASCAR is abandoning the elimination format that’s been locked in since 2014. In its place, the league is bringing back “THE CHASE” a postseason staple from 2003-2013. Here’s the long and short of it --
ELIMINATIONS ARE OUT: The top-16 drivers will now battle it out across the final 10 races, with the championship decided by total points accumulated over that time span.
‘WIN AND YOU’RE IN’ NO MORE: Drivers qualify for The Chase based on how many points they rack up during the regular season. Expect the standings to shift.
WINNING HOLDS MORE VALUE: A lot more, as it turns out. A race win now earns each winner 55 points, up from last season’s total of 40. Each W provides a major boost in the standings.
A CHANGE AT THE TOP: Winner takes all? We’re off that. The champion will now be crowned based on which driver has earned the most points at the end of the 10-race chase.
THE GOVX 200 IS COMING UP FAST
We’re so back. After last season’s duel in the desert, we have the distinct privilege of running it back for this year’s big race as the Title Sponsor.
Going down on Saturday March 7th at 5PM MST at Phoenix Raceway once again, the GOVX 200 is actually the second half of a Race Day doubleheader following The Good Ranchers 250 NIT Indy Car Series race earlier that day. For those who won’t be there in person, the race will be broadcast live on The CW.
HEAVY ON THE HORSEPOWER
For the upcoming season, NASCAR is boosting the horsepower from 670 to 750-HP at a total of 17 tracks. The general idea is that if the track is a road course or an oval under 1.5 miles, the extra juice is a go.
Here’s the full list of tracks where you’ll see the burst: Bowman Gray Stadium (The Clash), Martinsville Speedway (2 races), Bristol Motor Speedway (2 races), North Wilkesboro Speedway, Richmond Raceway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Phoenix Raceway (2 races), Dover Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway (2 races), Nashville Superspeedway, and World Wide Technology Raceway (St. Louis).
For road and street courses, speeds will be pushed at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Watkins Glen International, Sonoma Raceway, Charlotte ROVAL, and the San Diego Street Course at Naval Base Coronado.
RACE THE BASE IS COMING TO SD
This is going to be huge. NASCAR is moving its successful Street Race series to Naval Base Coronado for the weekend of June 19th, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. Marking the first race EVER at an active military base, expect to see the famous North Island control tower from Top Gun as drivers navigate an insane 16-turn, 3.4-mile circuit that serves as the longest track on the 2026 schedule.
San Diego NASCAR Weekend Presented by Anduril Schedule:
Friday, 6/19 - Navy Community Day: Exclusive to Navy personnel and local residents, The Craftsman Truck Series race is scheduled, and San Diego native Jimmie Johnson is expected to unretire for the day to run a special "lightning bolt" throwback truck.
Saturday, 6/20 - The action continues with The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Sunday, 6/21 - This is it. Be there for the Anduril 250 Cup Series race.
THE XFINITY SERIES IS NOW THE O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SERIES
There’s a new Title Sponsor in town. The CW is still your home for race day, but expect to see some new signage and displays on Race Day and on the broadcast. It’ll feel a little different as NASCAR moves away from the “Names Made Here” tagline to the rebranded “Pure. Raw. Racing.” and really leans into that high intensity environment.
THE SUMMER IN-SEASON CHALLENGE IS ON
Similar to what we’ve seen with the NBA, NASCAR will run back their in-season challenge this summer.
This regular season bracket-style tournament is sponsored by TNT Sports and will consist of a 5-race stretch starting with Sonoma on June 28th with a $1 million dollar bonus on the line.
NASCAR MILITX PRESENTED BY GOVX IS BACK
For decades now, NASCAR has gone above and beyond to proudly support the United States military and all those who serve. From branch recognition and pre-race flyovers to extensive Memorial Day weekend tributes and the NASCAR Salutes program, each season builds upon this longstanding tradition.
That commitment is matched with meaningful action through exclusive race-weekend ticket discounts offered via the NASCAR Miltix program. As part of our ongoing partnership, GOVX will serve as the Presenting Sponsor and Verification Partner of Miltix for 2026, helping to ensure that Active Duty and Veteran service members can save a minimum of 15% on tickets at NASCAR tracks nationwide.