You've felt that rumble in your chest at the start-finish line, right? If you haven't, 2026 is basically the year to fix that. Las Vegas Motor Speedway isn't just a racetrack; it’s a 1.5-mile asphalt desert oasis where the stakes are higher than the blackjack tables on the Strip. Honestly, the las vegas nascar weekend schedule for 2026 has been a massive talking point lately because NASCAR decided to shake things up with new TV partners and a playoff calendar that moves like a restless gambler.
Most people think you just show up on Sunday, watch some cars turn left, and go home. You'd be wrong. Dead wrong.
A Vegas race weekend is a marathon of sensory overload. We’re looking at two distinct visits from the Cup Series this year. First, there’s the spring heat of the Pennzoil 400 in March, followed by the high-pressure cooker of the South Point 400 in October. If you’re trying to plan your trip, you need to know the "when" and the "where" before the hotel prices spike to astronomical levels.
The Spring Burn: March 13–15, 2026
The spring weekend is usually the one where everyone is still fresh. The "new car smell" of the season hasn't worn off yet. For 2026, the action officially kicks off on Friday, March 13. While the big engines don't roar for the main event until Sunday, Friday is all about the garage vibe and qualifying prep.
Saturday, March 14: The LiUNA
Saturday is a double-header of sorts. You’ve got the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity, for those of us still adjusting to the name change) taking center stage. The LiUNA is set for a 5:30 p.m. ET start, which means you’re catching that beautiful desert sunset during the mid-race stages. It’s being broadcast on The CW this year. That’s a big shift for fans used to the old cable spots.
Sunday, March 15: The Pennzoil 400
This is the big one. The Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube.
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- Start Time: 4:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. local Vegas time).
- Network: FOX.
- Distance: 400 miles (267 laps).
There is something kinda poetic about 40 cars diving into Turn 1 at 190 mph while the Wynn and Encore shimmer in the distance.
The Playoff Pressure: October 3–4, 2026
If the March race is a party, the October weekend is a street fight. This is the South Point 400, and for 2026, it holds a terrifyingly important spot on the calendar. NASCAR moved things around. Vegas is now the second race in the Round of 12.
Think about that for a second.
One bad pit stop here doesn't just ruin your weekend; it can end your entire championship run. The tension in the infield is thick enough to cut with a souvenir program.
Saturday, October 3: Playoff Xfinity Action
The O'Reilly Auto Parts Series returns for their playoff edition. It’s a night race, folks. 7:30 p.m. ET start on The CW. There is nothing—and I mean nothing—cooler than seeing the brake rotors glowing cherry red under the Vegas lights.
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Sunday, October 4: The South Point 400
The main event moves to a slightly later window for the fall.
- Start Time: 5:30 p.m. ET.
- Network: USA Network.
Wait, why USA? Because by October, the NBC/USA sports window is in full swing. If you're looking for the broadcast, don't go hunting on FOX; you'll find nothing but football.
What Most People Get Wrong About the LVMS Schedule
People always ask, "Where are the trucks?"
Here is the curveball: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series doesn't always mirror the Cup schedule. In 2026, the trucks have their own wild itinerary. While they used to be a staple of the Vegas triple-header, the 2026 schedule shows them hitting tracks like Darlington in March and Talladega in October. If you are a die-hard Truck Series fan, you've gotta double-check those specific dates because they aren't riding the Cup Series coattails into Vegas this time around.
Also, don't sleep on The Bullring.
While the big tri-oval gets the TV time, the small 3/8-mile track next door often runs local NASCAR series races on the same weekends. It’s cheaper, louder, and you’re basically sitting on top of the cars. It’s where the "real" racing happens according to the locals.
Planning the Logistics (The Expert Nuance)
Look, I've seen fans miss the start of the race because they underestimated the "Vegas Mile."
The speedway is about 15 miles north of the Strip. On a race Sunday? That 15-mile drive can take 90 minutes. You’ve got two choices: leave at 9:00 a.m. and tailgate, or pay the premium for the shuttle buses that have their own dedicated lane.
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Pro Tip: If you're staying at a place like Park MGM or Westgate (who usually have race packages), check if they offer a private charter. It beats sitting in a rideshare while the meter clicks up and the engines are already firing.
What to Watch For in 2026
The 2026 season brings the return of The Chase format changes. NASCAR tweaked the "win-and-you're-in" rules slightly for the lower series, making every stage point in Vegas feel like gold. Plus, with the championship finale moving back to Homestead-Miami in November, the Vegas playoff race becomes the ultimate momentum builder. Whoever wins on October 4th isn't just getting a trophy; they're getting a massive psychological edge heading into the elimination rounds.
Survival Kit for the Weekend
- Ear Protection: No, seriously. The 1.5-mile ovals create a bowl effect that traps sound.
- Scanner: Rent one. Hearing the crew chiefs argue with the drivers is 50% of the fun.
- Hydration: It’s the desert. Even in March, the humidity is non-existent. You won't realize you're dehydrated until you've got a headache in Stage 3.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're serious about attending, your first move is securing your tickets through the official Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) site to avoid the massive markups on secondary markets. For the March 14–15 weekend, look into "Neon Garage" passes—it’s the only way to get close enough to smell the racing fuel and see the cars being teched. For the October playoff race, book your hotel at least six months in advance; the combination of NASCAR fans and Vegas convention-goers turns "affordable" rooms into "luxury" priced closets very quickly. Keep an eye on the official NASCAR app for the specific practice and qualifying times, which are usually finalized about three weeks before the green flag drops.
Enjoy the neon, the noise, and the speed. Just remember: what happens in Turn 4 stays in Turn 4.