IndyCar races conflict with NASCAR Cup Series as FOX reveals the 2026 schedule

As motorsports fans look ahead to the 2026 racing season, a rare but notable clash on the motorsports calendar is shaping up between the NASCAR Cup Series and NTT IndyCar Series, both of which will see significant action broadcast by FOX and its partners next year. Fans will face two major events’ timing clashes on the same day between the two premier series in 2026.

The start times for 2026 IndyCar races have recently come out. As reported by FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass on X (formerly Twitter), only two races on the 2026 IndyCar schedule are expected to conflict with NASCAR Cup Series events.

The IndyCar event at Nashville is scheduled to be held on Sunday (July 19), immediately following the FIFA World Cup final broadcast on FOX, putting the race in direct line with North Wilkesboro Cup Series race the same weekend.

The Nashville IndyCar Series event is expected to have a late afternoon or evening start, as the start time of the event hasn’t been announced yet, making it coincide with key hours of Cup Series coverage. The North Wilkesboro Cup race is scheduled to begin at 7 pm ET and be telecast on TNT.

Later in the season, IndyCar’s Grand Prix of Portland is scheduled on Sunday (August 9) and will run around the same time as the Cup Series’ Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway. The Iowa Cup race will begin at 3:30 pm ET and be broadcast on USA Network.

“FYI only two INDYCAR races likely will conflict with Cup races. INDYCAR at Nashville (following World Cup final) could conflict some with North Wilkesboro for Cup; And INDYCAR race at Portland will run pretty much at same time as Cup at Iowa.” Bob Pockrass wrote on X.

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NASCAR Insider shares update on new playoff format release date

NASCAR teams, drivers, and fans hoping for clarity on the sanctioning body’s new playoff or championship format will likely have to wait a bit longer for definitive answers.

According to FOX Sports’s Bob Pockrass, NASCAR is not expected to unveil any changes to the playoff format until sometime in January—meaning there won’t be a format announcement before the end of this year.

“Don't expect NASCAR to announce a new playoff system until sometime in January.” Pockrass wrote.

Kaulig Racing CEO Chris Rice recently said the sport’s governing body is not looking to scrap the entire playoff format but indicated that significant changes are coming to the 2026 format.

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Edited by Yash Soni