NASCAR Xfinity Calendar 2025

The NASCAR Xfinity Series, officially rebranded as the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series beginning in the 2026 season, represents NASCAR's second-tier national stock car racing championship. Since its inception in 1982, the series has served as the primary proving ground for drivers advancing toward the NASCAR Cup Series. The 2026 season features 33 races across diverse circuit types throughout the United States, combining veteran competitors with emerging talent in close wheel-to-wheel competition.

Championship Format

The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series employs a three-round playoff structure. The regular season consists of the first 26 races, where drivers accumulate points through race finishes, stage results, and victories. Race wins typically guarantee playoff qualification for drivers who attempt every race and remain in the top 20 in points. Twelve drivers advance to the playoffs, with their points reset and bonus points added for regular season performance. The Round of 12 spans three races, eliminating the bottom four drivers. The Round of 8 follows the same format, with points reset again before three more races eliminate another four competitors. The Championship 4 finale features the remaining drivers competing on equal points footing, with the highest finisher among the four crowned champion. In 2026, Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts the championship finale on November 7, marking a change from recent years.

Track Diversity and Race Types

The series competes on short tracks between 0.5 and 1 mile in length such as Bristol, Martinsville, and Richmond, where close-quarters racing defines the competition. Intermediate tracks ranging from 1 to 2 miles include Kansas, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. Superspeedways longer than 2 miles like Daytona and Talladega feature high-speed pack racing. Road courses including Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval add left and right turn challenges. The 2026 schedule introduces a street course event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, expanding the series' circuit variety. Notable schedule additions include Chicagoland Speedway's return on July 4 and Rockingham Speedway hosting an Easter weekend race.

Weekend Structure

O'Reilly Auto Parts Series events typically run as support races the day before Cup Series weekends. Each race weekend includes practice sessions for setup work, qualifying to determine starting positions, and the main race featuring stage racing with points awarded at predetermined intervals. Qualifying formats vary by track type: ovals longer than 1.022 miles use single-timed laps, tracks 1.00 mile and shorter use the better of two timed laps, and road courses employ two-round group qualifying.

Technical Specifications

The series uses stock cars built on an evolution of the Car of Tomorrow chassis with a 110-inch wheelbase. Manufacturers field distinct body designs resembling classic muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, constructed within NASCAR's aerodynamic specifications. Engines must be sealed and reused throughout the season. For 2026, NASCAR mandates A-post flaps at all tracks to reduce lift during spins, working alongside existing roof flaps. The minimum driver age for tracks 1.25 miles and shorter and all road courses drops to 17 years old.

Driver Development and Competition

The series continues its role developing racing talent, with Jesse Love entering 2026 as the defending champion from the 2025 season. Established teams including Joe Gibbs Racing, JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Kaulig Racing field competitive entries. Veterans like Justin Allgaier compete alongside rising drivers such as Sheldon Creed, Chandler Smith, and Sam Mayer. Cup Series drivers occasionally participate in select races for additional track time, though the series emphasizes opportunities for developing talent to gain national exposure and racing experience.