How NASCAR plans to celebrate America's 250th birthday

NASCAR's Charlotte Motor Speedway has planned multiple acts to celebrate America's 250th birthday in the 2026 season. The celebration will be held during the crown jewel event, the Coca-Cola 600 race weekend.

Although America's actual 250th birthday is months later, the track wants to honor it during the biggest race of the season. The 1.5-mile track has planned a pre-race concert before the Coca-Cola 600, and well-recognized music star Brad Paisley will perform during the event.

Additionally, Charlotte Motor Speedway has two acts before the main concert. A tribute rock band, Hairball, will perform after wrapping the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday. Followed by a performance by 38 Special on Saturday, in the Fan Zone.

In May 2025, the track revealed that fans from across the United States of America enjoyed the crown jewel event live. Reflecting on that, Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith stated (via the Daily Express):

“Seeing fans show up year after year is a heartwarming testament to the hard work by the team at Charlotte Motor Speedway and their dedication to creating the most remarkable event possible."

"We are truly humbled and thankful for the trust NASCAR fans put in us and blessed to host this incredible event each year on Memorial Day weekend,” he added.

Brad Paisley also expressed his excitement about performing at NASCAR's crown jewel event, paying homage to Memorial Day. During a press release, he wrote (via WBTV):

“The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the most patriotic events in sports, and this year’s 250th celebration makes it even more special. I can’t wait to stand on that stage and celebrate with fans from all over the country."

The 67th annual Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled for May 24, 2026, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Amazon Prime Video, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, and HBO Max will broadcast the 400-lap race live at 6 p.m. ET. In 2025, Trackhouse Racing driver Ross Chastain won the event and will aim for another victory.

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NASCAR unveiled the full-time schedule for the upcoming Cup Series season

In November 2025, NASCAR announced the full-time schedule of the 2026 Cup Series season. The governing body added two additional races to the new schedule and gave two off weeks to the drivers during the regular season. Also, the venue of the Championship 4 race has been changed from Phoenix Raceway to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the 2026 season.

The Athletic was the first to release the schedule to the public, and here's the list of the Cup Series events:

• Feb. 1: Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium
• Feb. 15: Daytona 500
• Feb. 22: Atlanta (EchoPark)
• Mar. 1: Circuit of the Americas
• Mar. 8: Phoenix
• Mar. 15: Las Vegas
• Mar. 22: Darlington
• Mar. 29: Martinsville
• Apr. 5: Off (Easter)
• Apr. 12: Bristol
• Apr. 19: Kansas
• Apr. 26: Talladega
• May 3: Texas
• May 10: Watkins Glen
• May 17: All-Star Race (Dover)
• May 24: Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte)
• May 31: Nashville
• Jun. 7: Michigan
• Jun. 14: Pocono
• Jun. 21: San Diego (Naval Base Coronado)
• Jun. 28: Sonoma
• Jul. 5: Chicagoland
• Jul. 12: Atlanta (EchoPark)
• Jul. 19: North Wilkesboro
• Jul. 26: Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis)
• Aug. 2: Off weekend
• Aug. 9: Iowa
• Aug. 15: Richmond
• Aug. 23: New Hampshire
• Aug. 29: Daytona (regular-season finale)
• Sept. 6: Darlington (playoff opener)
• Sept. 13: Gateway
• Sept. 19: Bristol (Round 1 elimination)
• Sept. 27: Kansas
• Oct. 4: Las Vegas
• Oct. 11: Charlotte Roval (Round 2 elimination)
• Oct. 18: Phoenix
• Oct. 25: Talladega
• Nov. 1: Martinsville (Round 3 elimination)
• Nov. 8: Homestead (Championship Race)

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson clinched the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship title. He outperformed the season-dominant driver Denny Hamlin in the Championship 4 race held at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, 2025.