Over the past several weeks there has been a great deal of speculation about how NASCAR would regulate the series next season. The first of those changes has been announced.
For the past few years, NASCAR has limited the number of races Cup Series drivers could run in the other series to just five races.
Beginning with the 2026 racing season, Cup Series drivers with at least three years of experience will be able to run in a maximum of 10 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) races and eight Craftsman Truck Series races; however, will not be allowed to race in regular-season finales, playoff races or championship events in either series. By the same token, O’Reilly Auto Parts drivers will not allowed to race in finals and playoff races in the Truck Series.
Drivers with less than three years of experience are not limited in the number of races they can run in other racing series.
Currently a driver must be 18 years of age in order to race in the Xfinity Series. Next season, drivers 17 years old may race on road courses and on tracks shorter than 1.25 miles in length. The age limit remains 18 for all other tracks.
The NASCAR Cup Series will be getting a new Premier sponsor for the 2026 season – Freeway Insurance. Freeway will join Coca-Cola, Busch Light and Xfinity as a premier sponsor for the Cup Series.
Freeway Insurance will also be the title sponsor for the fall race at Phoenix Raceway.
President of NASCAR Steve O’Donnell spoke on the new partnership saying, “we’re thrilled to welcome Freeway Insurance to the NASCAR family as a Premier Partner and a race entitlement partner at Phoenix Raceway This partnership highlights the strong alignment between our two brands — dedication to serving everyday Americans is at the heart of everything we do. Freeway’s commitment further reinforces the strength and growth of NASCAR’s commercial ecosystem as we continue to attract top-tier partners who see the value and excitement of this sport.”
Freeway Insurance offers insurance in all 50 states for home and all manner of vehicles.
U.S. Army Veteran and CEO of Freeway Insurance Cesar Soriano said, “at Freeway Insurance, we’re proud to partner with NASCAR — a sport that embodies the same energy, trust and drive that define our brand. As someone who has served our country, I take great pride in leading a brand that serves hardworking Americans every day. Trust is the foundation of what we do — whether it’s helping families protect what matters most or supporting a sport that fans trust and love. NASCAR’s fans and our customers share the same values — determination, family and a love of the open road — and the Freeway Insurance 500 will be a celebration of everything that makes this country great.”
Currently Freeway Insurance is a sponsor for Trackhouse Racing driver Daniel Suarez. Suarez will be moving over to Spire Motorsports next season to take over the driving duties of the number seven car and Freeway is moving over to the seven car with Suarez.
After an eleven year partnership, Xfinity is departing as the primary sponsor of the junior car series. Beginning next season O’Reilly Auto Parts is taking over the sponsorship for the series.
Reigning series champion Justin Allgaier spoke on the change over saying, “it’s hard to put into words how much Xfinity has meant not just to our series, but to the sport as a whole. They’ve been such an integral part in the successes our series has had, and they’ve been a group that I have really enjoyed getting to know and work with over the years.
He added, “I can’t thank them enough for all of their support and their belief in our series. And I am really happy that they are going to still be a part of our sport (as a Premier Partner of the Cup Series). It’s been an honor to represent them, both as a driver and a champion of the series all these years.”
Ryan Sieg and Jeremy Clements are the only drivers to run in every Xfinity Series race; “it’s been an honor to race in the Xfinity Series with our family-owned team,” said owner-driver Ryan Sieg. “Xfinity has been a tremendous title sponsor and I am proud to have been a small part of some amazing memories.”
Jeremy Clements added,“I would say Xfinity has been an amazing partner of the best series in NASCAR. You always see them around, and they’re always asking what they could do to make things better as well. Their support has elevated the competition, the exposure and the entire racing community. I’m grateful for everything they’ve done to keep this series thriving. It’s been an honor to race under their banner all these years!”