Honestly, if you're looking for the finishing order of NASCAR race today, January 14, 2026, you might be a little ahead of the curve—or maybe just looking in the dirt.
The Cup Series cars haven't actually hit the track for points yet. We're currently in that weird, frantic "pre-season" window where the big heavy stock cars are still tucked away in shops in Charlotte, but the drivers? They’re everywhere else. Specifically, they’re currently tearing up the red clay in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Chili Bowl Chaos: Where the Drivers Are Right Now
Since there isn't a Cup race on the schedule for today, the real finishing order of NASCAR race today belongs to the qualifying nights at the Chili Bowl Nationals. This is basically the "Super Bowl of Midget Racing," and it's where guys like Kyle Larson and Ty Gibbs go to prove they haven't forgotten how to turn left on dirt.
Last night, Tuesday, January 13, was the Warren CAT Qualifying Night. If you’re checking the results this morning, here is how the big names shook out:
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- Blake Hahn took the win in the Tuesday night preliminary feature.
- Hank Davis followed him home in second.
- Jett Barnes rounded out the podium in third.
- Ty Gibbs, driving the No. 84, had a bit of a rollercoaster night. He finished 6th in his heat and eventually fought through to the main event, but it wasn't the dominant performance some expected from the Joe Gibbs Racing star.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, we saw Kyle Larson do exactly what Kyle Larson does. He won his preliminary feature, basically securing his spot for the "A-Main" on Saturday. Christopher Bell also grabbed a win in the Race of Champions, reminding everyone that even though he’s a title contender in the Cup Series, his dirt roots are deep.
Looking Ahead: When Does the Real Season Start?
If you’re waiting for the roar of the V8s and the smell of high-octane fuel on asphalt, you have a few weeks to wait. The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is officially set, and it kicks off with a massive change of scenery.
Usually, we’re used to the Coliseum in LA. Not this year.
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On February 1, 2026, the field heads to the historic Bowman Gray Stadium for the Cook Out Clash. It’s going to be a literal "Madhouse." This is a quarter-mile track where tempers usually flare before the first 50 laps are even finished.
Following the Clash, the real season—the one that counts for points—begins at Daytona. Here’s the immediate roadmap:
- February 12: The Bluegreen Vacations Duels. These are the twin 150-mile qualifying races that determine the starting lineup for the Great American Race.
- February 15: The Daytona 500. This is the big one. 2:30 PM ET on FOX.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Different
NASCAR has been shaking things up. We've got the return of Ram Trucks to the Craftsman Truck Series, and get this: Tony Stewart is coming out of retirement to drive an All-Star entry for Kaulig Racing at Daytona on February 13. "Smoke" hasn't raced a national series event since 2016, so seeing him back in a truck—especially a Ram—is basically the biggest news of the winter.
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Also, the "Chase" format is officially back. NASCAR ditched the "Playoffs" branding to return to the classic 10-race Chase system that Stewart himself used to dominate.
What You Should Do Now
If you were hoping to see a finishing order from a Cup race today, don't be disappointed. Instead, tune into the streaming coverage of the Chili Bowl. Wednesday night qualifying is happening as we speak, featuring a whole new crop of drivers trying to lock into Saturday's big finale.
Keep an eye on the entry lists for the Daytona 500 coming out later this month. With the new charter deals and "open" teams like 23XI and Front Row still maneuvering, the entry list for the 500 might be the most crowded we've seen in a decade.
Basically, enjoy the dirt racing for now. The pavement season is coming fast.
Check the official NASCAR mobile app or FloRacing to catch the live timing for the rest of the week in Tulsa. Once the Clash at Bowman Gray starts on February 1, the points-chase madness officially begins, and we'll be tracking every lap of the 2026 season right here.