If you're waking up and looking for a field of 40 stock cars thundering into a green flag tomorrow, January 15, 2026, I've got some news that might be a little bit of a bummer. Basically, there isn't a Cup Series race tomorrow. You've gotta wait a few weeks for the real heavy hitters to start rubbing fenders.
NASCAR is currently in its "quiet before the storm" phase. We are smack in the middle of the off-season. While the big boys are busy tinkering with their cars in the shops in North Carolina, the actual points-paying action doesn't kick off until February. Honestly, that's why you won't find a qualifying sheet or a pole sitter list for tomorrow.
The Actual 2026 Season Kickoff
So, if you're asking about what's the starting lineup for tomorrow's NASCAR race, the short answer is there isn't one—but the long answer is that the schedule is locked in and looking pretty wild.
The first time we'll see a real lineup is for the Cook Out Clash. That’s happening on February 1, 2026. This year is special because it's at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem. If you know anything about "The Madhouse," you know it’s going to be absolute chaos. It’s a quarter-mile flat track where tempers usually flare before the first 50 laps are even done.
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Since it’s an exhibition race, the "lineup" isn't even decided by traditional qualifying like we see at a place like Talladega. They’ll run heat races to set the grid. You’ve basically got to fight your way into the main event.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
- February 1: The Clash at Bowman Gray (Non-points, just for pride and a big check).
- February 12: The America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona (This is where the real starting lineup for the 500 is decided).
- February 15: The Daytona 500. This is the one that counts.
Wait, what's happening tomorrow then?
While the Cup Series is dormant, a lot of the drivers are actually in Tulsa, Oklahoma right now. If you're looking for racing tomorrow, January 15, you’re looking for the Chili Bowl Nationals.
It’s not NASCAR, but it’s where all your favorite NASCAR drivers go to get dirty. Tomorrow is the "Hasty Bake Qualifying Night."
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Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell—guys who usually dominate on Sundays—are often there wheeling midget cars. It’s tight, indoor dirt racing. If you’re a racing junkie and you’re itching for a starting lineup, that's the place to look. The building opens at 9:00 a.m. CT, and racing starts around 5:00 p.m.
New Faces in the 2026 Starting Lineup
When we finally do get to February, the what's the starting lineup for tomorrow's NASCAR race question is going to have some very different answers than last year. The "Silly Season" was actually pretty loud this time around.
For starters, Daniel Suárez is moving over to Spire Motorsports to drive the No. 7. That's a huge shift. We also have the phenom Connor Zilisch moving up to the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing in the No. 88. Seeing a rookie like Zilisch in the lineup is going to be one of the biggest stories of the spring.
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Big Changes to Track
- Homestead-Miami is back as the championship finale on November 8. Phoenix had it for a while, but NASCAR is moving the trophy presentation back to the beach.
- San Diego Street Course is a brand new addition. We’ll see that lineup on June 21.
- Chicagoland Speedway is officially back from the dead. It’s returning on July 5.
Why the Lineup Matters More This Year
NASCAR recently announced they are bringing back a version of "The Chase" format for 2026. It's a bit of a throwback to the 2004–2013 era.
What this means for the starting lineup is that qualifying is going to feel a lot more high-stakes. In the old playoff system, you could sort of "points" your way through. With the return of the Chase, track position becomes king. Starting 30th at a place like Martinsville or the new North Wilkesboro points race is going to be a death sentence for championship hopefuls.
Also, keep an eye on the manufacturers. Chevrolet just rolled out a new body style for the ZL1. Haas Factory Team and Rick Ware Racing have both ditched Ford to run Chevys this year.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since you can't watch a race tomorrow, here is how you can prepare for when the engines actually start:
- Download the NASCAR App: This is where the official entry lists are posted first, usually on the Monday or Tuesday before a race weekend.
- Check the Chili Bowl Stream: If you need a racing fix tomorrow, January 15, FloRacing is the place to watch the qualifying rounds in Tulsa.
- Mark February 12: That's the day the Daytona 500 lineup actually gets set during the Duels.
The off-season is long, but Bowman Gray is right around the corner. Once we hit February, the hunt for the starting lineup becomes a weekly ritual again.