NASCAR Makes Major Cup Series Practice Change Beginning Next Weekend

NASCAR is changing the way Cup Series practice will be conducted for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Beginning with next weekend’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Cup Series teams will participate in a single 50-minute practice session instead of the divided-group format used at most events this season. NASCAR announced the change Wednesday, saying the revised format will remain in place for all remaining races that are not already designated as superspeedway or extended-practice weekends.

The update comes just days before the Cup Series heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for this weekend’s Brickyard 400.

What is changing?

Under the new format, every entered Cup Series car will share one uninterrupted 50-minute practice session.

Previously, NASCAR typically split the field into separate groups, giving each group a shorter amount of track time. Beginning at Newhttps://www.motorbiscuit.com/nascar/ Hampshire, that format will be replaced by one extended session featuring the entire field.

The new practice sessions also will not include a mandated break.

NASCAR said impound procedures will remain unchanged, meaning teams will still face restrictions on adjustments after qualifying. However, each applicable weekend will include an additional set of practice tires to help accommodate the increased track time.

Why NASCAR is making the change

According to NASCAR, the adjustment follows discussions with teams during last week’s technical meeting and continued industry feedback regarding Cup Series practice.

Officials said the proposal received support from a substantial majority of teams.

The longer session is expected to provide drivers, crew chiefs and engineers with more time to evaluate handling, tire wear and setup changes before qualifying and Sunday’s race.

Superspeedway events will continue using their existing event-specific practice formats, while Homestead-Miami Speedway also will retain its previously scheduled extended practice weekend as part of the season finale.

When does the new practice format begin?

The revised format will debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway next weekend and remain in effect for the rest of the 2026 Cup Series season at eligible events.

That means this weekend’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will still use the previously scheduled practice format, with the new 50-minute sessions beginning one week later.

For teams preparing for the final stretch of the regular season and the upcoming Chase, the additional track time could become an important tool as they search for speed before qualifying and race day.