So, you’re looking to find out who won the NASCAR Nationwide Series race today. Honestly, I have to give it to you straight: if you’re looking for a "Nationwide Series" trophy presentation in 2026, you're actually about twelve years too late to the party.
The series hasn't been called Nationwide since 2014. It spent a long decade as the Xfinity Series, and as of this season, it’s gone through another massive identity shift. It is now officially the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Kinda weird to get used to, right? We all still call it "the junior circuit" anyway.
But here is the real kicker for today, January 13, 2026. There wasn't a race. Not on the big asphalt ovals, at least.
If you saw highlights of stock car legends like Kyle Larson or Christopher Bell taking a checkered flag today, you weren't watching NASCAR. You were likely seeing the opening nights of the 40th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa. That’s where the real racing action is happening right now while the big engines in Charlotte and Daytona are still being tuned for February.
Why nobody won the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race today
The NASCAR season hasn't actually started yet. I know, the itch for racing is real, but the 2026 schedule is pretty firm. The very first time these cars will hit the track for points is February 14, 2025, at Daytona International Speedway.
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Basically, the drivers are all currently in "off-season mode," which for guys like Larson, means racing anything with four wheels and a motor on dirt. Today, Tuesday, January 13, the racing world is focused on the SageNet Center in Oklahoma.
Last night, we saw some pretty wild stuff. Kyle Larson won his Monday night preliminary feature, and Christopher Bell grabbed a trophy in the Race of Champions. If you’re seeing "Winner" headlines today, it’s almost certainly about those two dominating the dirt in Tulsa. They’re basically the kings of that tiny clay oval, and they’re using this week to stay sharp before the NASCAR season kicks off in Florida next month.
The 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series kickoff
When the season finally does start, things are going to look a lot different. You’ve probably heard the rumors, but Jesse Love is coming in as the defending champion after a massive 2025 run.
The series is moving to The CW this year for every single race. That’s a huge shift from the old cable days. If you’re planning your calendar, here is what the start of the actual season looks like:
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- Daytona International Speedway: February 14 (The United Rentals 300)
- Atlanta Motor Speedway: February 21
- Circuit of the Americas: February 28
We're looking at a 33-race grind that doesn't stop until we hit Homestead-Miami in November. So, while nobody won a NASCAR race today, the countdown to Daytona is officially under 33 days.
Major changes you need to know for 2026
The rebrand to the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series isn't the only thing that's new. Honestly, the garage area looks like a game of musical chairs.
One of the biggest stories is Connor Zilisch. Last year, the kid was a literal human highlight reel, winning 10 races in this series. Now? He’s moving up to the Cup Series full-time with Trackhouse Racing. Losing a talent like that definitely changes the dynamic of the field. Without Zilisch to worry about, guys like Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith are probably breathing a little easier, though Jesse Love is still the man to beat.
We’re also seeing some teams pull back. Kaulig Racing actually paused their Xfinity (O'Reilly) program for this year to focus on other things. On the flip side, Sam Hunt Racing is expanding, and Young’s Motorsports is bringing two full-time cars to the grid, including Ryan Ellis in the No. 02.
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What to watch instead of NASCAR today
Since the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series is quiet today, you should definitely pull up the Chili Bowl streams. It’s a 1/4-mile clay track inside a giant building. It’s loud, it’s dusty, and it’s where the NASCAR elites go to prove they can still handle a car that’s sliding sideways at 80 mph.
Tuesday night's prelims are usually just as chaotic as the weekend finals. You’ll see guys like Tanner Carrick and Shane Golobic trying to lock themselves into the Saturday A-Main. It’s not a 300-mile endurance test; it’s a sprint, and honestly, it’s some of the best racing you’ll see all year.
Getting ready for the real "Today"
If you’re a die-hard fan waiting for that first green flag in Daytona, you’ve got about a month of prep work to do. The field is deeper than it’s been in a while, even with Zilisch moving up.
Keep an eye on the newcomer Mason Maggio, who just joined DGM Racing. There's also a lot of talk about how the new Ford and Chevy body styles are going to handle the drafting at Daytona. NASCAR actually bumped the horsepower up to 750 hp for the short tracks and road courses this year, which is a massive win for fans who want to see these cars actually move.
While you won't find a NASCAR winner today, January 13, 2026, the sport is arguably in one of its most interesting transitional phases. The name change, the network move to The CW, and the return to a more traditional "Chase" playoff format mean this season is going to be a wild ride.
Your next steps for the 2026 season:
Check the TV listings for The CW to make sure you have access before the Daytona opener on February 14. If you're looking for live racing right now, head over to FloRacing to catch the rest of the Chili Bowl Nationals through Saturday night. By the time the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series actually starts, you'll be fully caught up on which drivers are carrying the most momentum from the dirt tracks into the asphalt season.