The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is just days away, and the excitement is electric across the country. Teams have spent the off-season preparing, drivers are hungry for that first checkered flag, and fans are counting down to the green flag. From the unique night race at Bowman Gray Stadium for the Cook Out Clash to the high-stakes drama of the Daytona 500 — America’s Great American Race — it’s going to be an unforgettable year.
There’s nothing quite like the start of a new NASCAR season. It’s a clean slate full of hope, new rivalries, and big dreams. Every driver and team believes this could be their year to hoist the championship trophy at the end of it all. The competition is going to be fierce, with veterans and rising stars ready to battle it out week after week.
I’ll be honest — my favorite driver is William Byron in the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. I’ve followed him closely because of his talent, consistency, and the smart way he approaches both racing and life. I’m looking forward to cheering him on as he pushes for wins and contends for the title. But one of the things I love most about NASCAR is how it brings people together. Fans root hard for different drivers, argue passionately about who’s the best, and still share the same love for the sport. That’s a perfect example of civil disagreement — competing fiercely on the track while respecting each other off it.
As someone who has traveled across America talking to people with all kinds of different views, I see a lot of our country in NASCAR. The rivalries are real and intense, but so is the community and mutual respect. It’s a great reminder that we can disagree strongly and still come together around something we all enjoy.
To all the drivers, crews, and fans getting ready for the new season: stay safe, give it everything you’ve got, and let’s make 2026 one for the books. Whether you’re heading to the track, hosting watch parties, or following along from home, get ready for speed, strategy, and plenty of thrills.
I can’t wait for the season to begin!
Only in America.