NASCAR entered 2026 in full swing by shedding the old playoff format from 2015-2025 after much scrutiny following a near disaster in Trucks, a straight robbery in…*sigh*…O’Reilly..and a less than enthusiastic winner in Cup. 

The replacement? A new version of the Chase for the Cup that dominated the mid 2000s. If you want a quick rundown on our thoughts on the change, check out Jack’s piece about it. 

 Along with that is a fresh new set of faces across driver and crew lineups that are sure to change how the landscape of every series will behave. Let’s get into five of the more interesting things to watch in the 2026 NASCAR season across the Cup series. 

1. Connor Zilisch 

The 19-year-old phenom took NASCAR by the horns for his formal Xfinity series debut season, amassing 10 regular season wins. Zilisch unfortunately became a poster boy to why the playoff format needed to die, faltering in the championship race at Phoenix and allowing Jesse Love to steal one of the more unjust titles in NASCAR history. 

Zilisch responded like any pissed off generational talent would by leaving the Xfinity series and becoming a full time driver for Trackhouse Racing in the #88 Chevrolet. Entering the upper echelon of NASCAR with a proven track record will no doubt put Zilisch under the spotlight right away, but I think it will be very worthy. Do not be shocked if Zilisch can steal a win at a road course under the nose of his teammate, Shane Van Gisbergen.

Zilisch immediately proved that he can compete and win at oval tracks, conquering the beast of Pocono with Dale Jr as his emergency crew chief. The sky is the limit for the 88 in 2026, and I have a feeling people will be getting used to seeing it in victory lane sooner rather than later. 

2. Denny Hamlin

What can be said about one of NASCARs members of the old guard that hasn’t been said already? The 60-time-winner came three laps away from achieving the one goal that has eluded him in his illustrious career: a championship. Hamlin lamented the playoff format like many before him and, despite a crushing end to a long season, the 41-year-old shut down retirement rumors. 

With the series reverting back to a Chase format that rewards consistency combined with Hamlin’s supercharged thirst to capture what’s evaded him, I’d put my money on the 11 team this year.

Another aspect of note is Hamlin/23XI’s win in court against NASCAR brass, enabling permanent charters for teams in the series. There is no better time for Hamlin to further stick it to NASCARs leadership than to take the trophy home in a brand new format fresh off a court win.

3) Tyler Reddick  

There isn’t much discourse about the 45 team this offseason, which feels a bit criminal to me. After a 2024 that saw him in the Championship 4 race, Reddick found himself winless in 2025. Pointing his way into the playoffs, Reddick had a lackluster post season performance and is coasting into 2026 without the momentum those in the industry expected after 2024. 

Reddick has proven himself to be, in my eyes, a near generational talent behind the wheel and before last season was only improving. With 23XI seemingly hitting their stride as a team as well, it would shock me for Reddick to have another backseat season. As his teammate Bubba Wallace continues to improve in strides, the competitive edge is sure to play a factor for the driver of the #45

4) Kyle Busch 

Shoutout Jack, I think it’s a mistake to sleep on the two-time Cup Series champion while there’s still something left in the tank. Busch came ever so close yet again to securing a win last season, and I think it’s a matter of if and when. Busch proved twice that he can still wheel the #8 RCR Chevy on a road course and that’s setting aside his still very capable oval talent.

Many have written the decorated vet off, but he is simply one of those talents you cannot do that with. Until he’s resting the racing gloves on the steering wheel, I won’t ever count out Rowdy from returning to form. It will all depend on Richard Childress’ ability to provide the proper framework. No more coddling your hack of a grandson; Give the best resources to the championship level driver. 

5) Legacy MC 

Listen, I know there are probably more “Important” storylines in the field that I haven’t touched on, but I find some of these the most intriguing stories in the back of last year’s standings, Legacy MC included. The duo of Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek had their moments last season, getting a team total 14 top tens, with the two drivers both finishing there in three separate races. 

With the team’s relationship with Toyota only growing as they continue to be their fourth team, I foresee continued growth for Jimme Johnson’s program. Along with the backing of continued sponsors like Dollar Tree behind them and a proven roster of wheelmen, a win would not take me by surprise, especially from a guy like Erik Jones. 

I may have omitted some heavy hitters from this list, however I just don’t see any story from most of the major teams being super intriguing. It will be interesting to see how long Bowman has of being totally mediocre amongst top 10 drivers at Hendrick, or if Logano’s bald head will add any speed to the 22, but I think the real juice is in the mid pack of the field this year.