NASCAR is quietly putting the groundwork for one of the most important shifts in its modern era, starting with a major renovation of Talladega Superspeedway and culminating in an expanded, refreshed 2027 Cup Series schedule with potential new venues.
Talladega Superspeedway is one of sports’ most historic and largest racetracks on the schedule. The venue is set to undergo a major renovation, a previously unreported renovation as part of sport’s long-term infrastructure plans, according to recent reports from Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern.
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While specific details are still emerging, the project is expected to modernize facilities, improve fan amenities, and enhance the overall race-day experience at the 2.66-mile-long Talladega racetrack located in Lincoln, Alabama.
In Stern’s report, according to NASCAR Holdings Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy, the sanctioning body is exploring “a couple of potential new venues” for the 2027 schedule and beyond.
While no tracks have been officially revealed, Stern’s report indicates that several cities and regions are actively courting NASCAR, including offers to host big events such as the championship race.
Julie Giese, who successfully oversaw the Chicago Street Race launch, has been tapped to steer NASCAR’s scheduling efforts for 2027 and beyond.
According to Kennedy, she is already deep into shaping the next generation of the Cup Series calendar, including evaluating the venues of the Clash exhibition and the Championship Race in 2027 and beyond.
NASCAR will begin a rotation system for the Championship race with this season. The 2026 season finale will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway before future locations are announced. The next year’s finale race will be held at a different venue.
Kennedy, who also serves as chief venue and racing innovations officer, confirmed that several cities expressed interest in hosting series’ title race in 2027.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to kick off this weekend at Daytona
The 2026 Cup Series season officially starts with the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the first of 36 points-paying races of the season. The race will begin at 2:30 pm ET.
However, the 2026 season unofficially kicked off with the preseason exhibition Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium last Wednesday, where RFK Racing driver Ryan Preece emerged victorious.
Now, it’s time for the biggest race of the year, the Daytona 500, often called “The Great American Race,” which kicks off Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.
All the track activity of the season-opening weekend will be telecast on FS1 and FOX.
Edited by Yash Soni
