NASCAR Truck Calendar

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is NASCAR's national touring series for production pickup truck-based stock cars, serving as the entry-level platform in NASCAR's three-tier national competition structure. Craftsman returned as title sponsor in 2023 after previously sponsoring the series from 1995 to 2008, replacing Camping World which held naming rights from 2009 to 2022. The series features a mix of rising talent and veteran competitors racing across a diverse schedule that includes oval tracks of all sizes, road courses, and street circuits.

Championship Format: The Chase

For 2026, NASCAR has reintroduced "The Chase" championship format across its national series. Ten drivers qualify for The Chase based solely on cumulative points standings after the regular-season finale at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in August. The previous "win-and-you're-in" automatic qualification rule has been eliminated. The Chase consists of seven races from September through November, with points reseeded at the start. The regular-season champion receives a 25-point advantage, while subsequent positions are separated by five points. Race wins carry increased value at 55 points each, up from 40 points in previous seasons. The driver with the most points accumulated during these seven races is crowned champion at the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November.

Race Weekend Structure

A typical race weekend includes practice, qualifying, and the main race divided into stages. Qualifying format varies by track type: on circuits 1.25 miles and shorter, drivers receive two timed laps with the fastest counting; on longer tracks, a single timed lap determines the grid. Road courses use a two-part knockout qualifying system where the top 12 from the first session advance to the second. Stage racing remains a core element, with points awarded to top finishers in each stage alongside points for final race positions.

Schedule and Track Diversity

The 2026 season runs from February through early November and showcases varied racing environments. The schedule includes superspeedway racing at Daytona and Talladega, intermediate ovals such as Michigan, Nashville, Kansas, and Charlotte, and traditional short tracks like Bristol, Martinsville, and Richmond. Road course events take place at Watkins Glen and Lime Rock Park. A significant 2026 addition brings the Truck Series to street circuits for the first time, with races at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. The Triple Truck Challenge returns, offering bonus incentives for victories at Darlington, Rockingham, and Bristol.

Manufacturer Competition and Driver Roster

The 2026 season marks the return of Ram as a manufacturer, joining Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota in competition. Kaulig Racing fields five Ram entries, including drivers Daniel Dye, Justin Haley, and 2025 ARCA champion Brenden Queen. The driver lineup balances emerging talent with experienced competitors. Reigning 2025 champion Corey Heim runs a part-time schedule with Tricon Garage. Three-time champion Matt Crafton continues part-time with ThorSport Racing after retiring from full-time competition. Notable part-time entries include former Cup champion Jimmie Johnson at San Diego and Tony Stewart. Cup Series driver eligibility rules have been adjusted, with experienced Cup drivers now permitted to compete in eight regular-season races, while Cup-declared drivers can run the regular-season finale but remain prohibited from The Chase races.

Technical Regulations

The series races V8-powered pickup truck-based stock cars. For 2026, horsepower increases are implemented at tracks shorter than 1.5 miles. The Damaged Vehicle Policy has been aligned with Cup Series rules, allowing trucks towed to the garage to return after repairs if they meet minimum speed requirements. NASCAR has introduced a new manufacturer provisional allowing up to four additional grid positions for new manufacturer entries in their first three events.