2026 NASCAR CUP SCHEDULE

2026 NASCAR CUP PLAYOFFS

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Innovation Takes Center Stage as 2026 Detroit International Auto Show Crowns Best-in-Class Vehicles

DETROIT, MI – January 14, 2026 – The automotive industry converged on Detroit’s Huntington Place this week as the 2026 Detroit International Auto Show kicked off with Media Day, showcasing the latest innovations in vehicle technology and design while honoring excellence with the prestigious North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards.

A Return to Tradition

After pandemic-related disruptions and a brief summer experiment, the Detroit Auto Show has firmly returned to its traditional January timeframe for the second consecutive year. The event opened with media and industry days on January 14-15, followed by the annual Charity Preview on January 16, before welcoming the public from January 17-25.

The show brings together more than two dozen automotive brands spanning from American classics like Ford, Chevrolet, and Cadillac to international luxury icons including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Maserati, and Porsche. With over 148,000 expected attendees and covering 2.6 million net square feet of exhibit space, the show represents a significant economic boost for Detroit and Michigan’s automotive heartland.

The 2026 NACTOY Awards: Celebrating Automotive Excellence

The highlight of Media Day was the announcement of the 2026 NACTOY award winners, determined by an independent jury of 50 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. After a year-long evaluation process that began with semifinalists announced in September at CAR MBS at Michigan Central Station and finalists unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, three exceptional vehicles emerged victorious.

“These winners represent the best in the auto industry,” said Jeff Gilbert, president of NACTOY and automotive reporter at WWJ Radio. “This award has great value because of the diverse backgrounds of our jurors, and on behalf of those jurors, I offer deep congratulations to all of our winners for 2026.”

The Judging Criteria

Founded in 1994, NACTOY stands as the longest-running new-vehicle awards program not associated with a single publication. The awards’ credibility stems from their rigorous evaluation criteria and independent voting process, with ballots confidentially tallied by Deloitte LLP.

Vehicles are judged as benchmarks in their segments based on multiple factors:

• Innovation – Breakthrough technologies and forward-thinking features
• Design – Aesthetic appeal and functional styling
• Safety – Advanced safety systems and crash protection
• Performance – Driving dynamics and powertrain capabilities
• Technology – Infotainment, connectivity, and driver assistance systems
• Driver Satisfaction – Overall driving experience and ergonomics
• User Experience – Intuitive controls and everyday usability
• Value – Price-to-feature ratio and ownership costs

The Winners

North American Car of the Year: Dodge Charger

Total Votes: 195 | Starting MSRP: $49,995

The all-new Dodge Charger claimed the Car of the Year title in a closely contested race, marking a triumphant return to the brand’s gas-powered heritage after its electric detour. The multi-energy Charger lineup represents Dodge’s bold vision of offering customers the “power of choice” with both traditional and electric powertrains.

At the heart of the winning formula is the SIXPACK powertrain – a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that pays homage to the legendary 1970 Charger with three dual-barrel carburetors. This modern interpretation delivers stunning performance in two configurations:

• Charger R/T (Standard Output): 420 horsepower
• Charger Scat Pack (High Output): 550 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds

For electric enthusiasts, the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack offers 670 horsepower and blistering 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds, making it the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.

“The Dodge Charger is a tour de force and welcome return to the brand’s gas-fueled sweet spot after a detour down Electric Alley,” said Henry Payne, auto columnist at The Detroit News and NACTOY juror. “It’s also a lesson to the industry about the limitations of performance EVs. In addition to a great muscle car, the Charger is an all-around performer with hatchback utility, all-season all-wheel-drive capability, and terrific interior and exterior design.”

Key Innovations:

• Standard all-wheel drive across the entire lineup
• Available in both two-door coupe and four-door sedan configurations
• “Hidden hatch” design offering best-in-class rear cargo volume
• Widest body of any car in the industry
• 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Comprehensive suite of drive modes including Launch Control
• Most horsepower in the industry for under $55,000 (Scat Pack at $54,995)

The SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack delivers a compelling value proposition as the most powerful vehicle available in its price range, while maintaining the practicality and versatility that modern drivers demand.

North American Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick Lobo

Total Votes: 277 | Starting MSRP: $35,930

The Ford Maverick Lobo dominated the truck category with 277 votes, earning praise for pioneering a new segment: the sporty, affordable compact pickup. Building on the success of the standard Maverick, which has filled a niche many buyers didn’t know they needed, the Lobo variant adds performance credentials to the practical small truck formula.

“Ford’s Maverick Lobo opens the door to a new class of fun-to-drive compact pickups,” said Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist at the Detroit Free Press. “It’s the first to make an affordable compact pickup the basis of a sporty pickup with street smarts and meaningful performance upgrades. It won’t be the last.”

The Maverick lineup has become a phenomenon since its introduction, offering buyers a workhorse truck, off-road adventurer, hybrid efficiency, and now with the Lobo, a sporty street performer – all in an affordable, maneuverable package.

Notable Features:

• Performance-tuned suspension and steering
• Sporty styling and interior appointments
• Maintains the Maverick’s versatile 4.5-foot bed
• Available hybrid powertrain for exceptional fuel economy
• Fits in standard parking spaces and garages
• Advanced driver assistance technology

Tom Voelk, reporter and photographer at Driven, noted: “Maverick continues to be the little truck that could, filling a niche buyers didn’t know they wanted or needed. The sporty Lobo completes the range that includes basic workhorse, off-road adventurer and hybrid efficiency. If only we were all as flexible and resourceful as Maverick.”

North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade

Total Votes: 270 | Starting MSRP: $38,935

The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade captured the Utility Vehicle of the Year crown with 270 votes, impressing jurors with its comprehensive redesign, sophisticated interior, and new hybrid powertrain option.

Building on the success of its first generation, which raised the bar for three-row SUVs, the all-new Palisade features boxy, contemporary styling with squared shoulders, an upright stance, and a commanding presence. More importantly, it delivers substance to match its style.

“The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a great family car, with 3 rows of seating, a posh interior and lots of safety equipment,” said Joann Muller, transportation correspondent at Axios. “With a starting price under $40,000 and a new hybrid powertrain available, it’s the perfect blend of value, technology and efficiency.”

Key Specifications:

• Powertrain Options:
  • 3.5-liter V6: 287 horsepower
  • 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid: 329 combined horsepower
• Longer wheelbase for improved interior space
• Seating for 7-8 passengers
• 6-speed automatic transmission (hybrid)
• Standard all-wheel drive available

Interior Innovation:
The Palisade’s interior represents a quantum leap in design sophistication. Hyundai drew inspiration from modern interior design principles, featuring pale colors, uncluttered surfaces, and minimalist aesthetics. Clever design touches include seamlessly stitched door panels that create the illusion of continuous leather surfaces.

Functional improvements include a gear shifter relocated to the steering column, freeing up center console space for an elevated wireless charging pad, ample cupholders, and generous storage compartments. Unique features include a UV-C light sanitizing function in the center console and a distinctive steering wheel design with a four-dot Morse code logo for “H” that changes color based on the selected drive mode.

John Vincent, senior editor for vehicle testing at U.S. News & World Report, summarized: “After raising the bar as to what three-row SUVs could be with its first generation, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, and especially its hybrid model, again sets the standard in the class. It’s simply the best SUV you can buy today.”

Photos: Glenn Gervais – In Play! magazine

Beyond the Awards: Show Highlights

The 2026 Detroit Auto Show extends far beyond the NACTOY awards, offering attendees a comprehensive automotive experience:

Interactive Experiences:

• Detroit Grand Prix Track – Indoor driving course featuring iconic landmarks from the actual Detroit Grand Prix street circuit
• Powering Michigan Track – Showcasing Michigan’s automotive innovation
• Ford Bronco “Built Wild Experience” – Off-road adventure demonstrations
• Camp Jeep – Trail-rated vehicle testing
• Michigan Overland Adventure – Exploration-focused exhibits
• The Gallery – Luxury brand showcase featuring premium marques

Special Events:

• AutoMobili-D Industry Days (January 14-15) – Cutting-edge technologies from startups and universities
• Racing Day (January 20) – Presented by the Detroit Grand Prix, featuring motorsports stars, race cars, and interactive experiences
• Modded Detroit – Celebrating Detroit’s underground car customization scene

Technology on Display:
The show features the latest in electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, advanced driver assistance technologies, and connected car innovations. With the automotive industry in a period of rapid transformation, the Detroit Auto Show serves as a critical platform for manufacturers to showcase their vision for the future of mobility.

Industry Context

The 2026 awards mark a notable shift in the automotive landscape. After three consecutive years where electric vehicles won at least one NACTOY category, this year’s winners reflect a more balanced approach to powertrain technology. While the Dodge Charger offers both gas and electric options, and the Hyundai Palisade features a hybrid, the emphasis on internal combustion engines signals the industry’s recognition that the transition to electrification will be more gradual than initially projected.

The average price across the three category winners stands at $46,248, demonstrating NACTOY’s commitment to recognizing vehicles across the affordability spectrum. This contrasts with some finalists like the $96,500 Lucid Gravity and includes highly accessible options like the $23,400 Nissan Sentra, which also competed in the car category.

Looking Forward

As the 2026 Detroit Auto Show continues through January 25, it reinforces Detroit’s position as the heart of American automotive innovation. The NACTOY awards provide consumers with expert guidance on the year’s best vehicles, while the show itself offers a glimpse into an industry balancing heritage with innovation, performance with efficiency, and tradition with transformation.

“Our jurors found the Dodge Charger to be a thoroughly modern sports car that both looks to the future, but harkens back to a great heritage,” Gilbert noted. “Whether you want electric power or classic gasoline-powered muscle, it’s available. Congratulations to the Dodge team on this well-deserved honor.”

With public days running through January 25, automotive enthusiasts have ample opportunity to experience these award-winning vehicles firsthand, along with hundreds of other models representing the industry’s best and brightest innovations.

For Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO, the recognition validates his brand’s bold strategy: “Winning North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge’s continued willingness to break pattern and redefine segments. The Charger lineup delivers the power of choice, including the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack’s 550 horsepower and the Daytona’s 670 horsepower, in both two-door and four-door configurations. This recognition validates our vision for the future of muscle.”

As the 2027 model year competition begins, the automotive industry continues its dynamic evolution, with Detroit remaining at the center of American automotive excellence.

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NASCAR’s Canadian Series: The New Era with Evirum and Pinty’s

NASCAR, the North American pioneer in motorsports, has announced a significant transformation in its Canadian series. Starting from 2024, the series will be rebranded as the NASCAR Canada Series. This change comes along with the introduction of Evirum and Pinty’s, both stepping in as Presenting Partners.

“Canadian motorsports fans are incredibly passionate, and the new NASCAR Canada Series name appropriately captures their nationalistic pride,” said Chad Seigler, NASCAR chief international officer.

Pinty’s, a household name in the Canadian motorsport scene since 2016, will continue its journey alongside NASCAR. Moreover, Evirum, a residual materials management and environmental solutions provider, is joining the race as a new partner.

Julien Remillard, Evirum president, expressed his company’s enthusiasm in this new venture.

“Our involvement in this thrilling series dates back to last season, where we offered support to some drivers, race promoters and race track operators. When the opportunity to become a Series Partner presented itself, it was a natural progression in alignment with our expanding presence across Canada and the United States.”

The upcoming NASCAR Canada Series in 2024 promises 13 adrenaline-pumping races spread across six provinces. The season is set to open at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) on Victoria Day weekend (May 19).

The series also features a compelling East Coast Swing with a doubleheader weekend (June 29-30) at Riverside Speedway in Nova Scotia, followed by a race at Eastbound Speedway in Newfoundland and Labrador (June 22).

The Western Swing includes the traditional race at Sutherland Automotive Speedway in Saskatoon (July 20) and Edmonton International Raceway (July 27). The much-loved dirt race at Ohsweken Speedway is set to return for the third year, now scheduled for July 11.

The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, an event that has been run since 1967, is set to return on Sunday, August 11. The season finale will take place at Autodrome Montmagny – a first for the NASCAR Canada Series and the province of Quebec (Sept. 22).

2024 NASCAR Canada Series Schedule

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Alan Labrosse, a long-time executive in the Canadian motorsports scene, has been appointed as the General Manager of NASCAR Canada. Labrosse, a member of the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He will be responsible for promoting and expanding NASCAR across Canada, which includes oversight of the NASCAR Canada Series.

NASCAR Canada Series races will be broadcasted on TSN and RDS in Canada and FloSports in the United States. The full broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

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CHEVROLET DETROIT GRAND PRIX ACHIEVES GOLD CERTIFICATION

Building on the momentum of the most sustainable Detroit Grand Prix in history, the 2023 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear has been recognized as the first event in Michigan to achieve gold-level event certification through the Council for Responsible Sport. The recognition also distinguishes the Detroit Grand Prix as the first-ever motorsports event worldwide to earn gold level Responsible Sport certification.

The Council for Responsible Sport recognizes and certifies events that meet a set of criteria for social and environmental responsibility objectives in order to make a positive impact in their communities. Since 2007, the organization has certified more than 200 events worldwide. Through its increased sustainability efforts, significant economic impact and numerous community outreach programs, the Detroit Grand Prix blazed a new trail in 2023 on its way to reaching gold-level certification.

“Reaching gold level certification from the Council for Responsible Sport is a tremendous honor for the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear and a true testament to our event’s commitment to being a positive force in Detroit and across Southeast Michigan,” said Michael Montri, President of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “With the help of our event partners, we are proud of how the Grand Prix has emerged as a leader in effecting environmental and social change in our community, now and into the future.”

With a structured certification process, the Council for Responsible Sport provides a clear path for events and venues to measure, implement, validate and improve their social and environmental sustainability efforts. Certification is accomplished through planning and communications, procurement, resource management, access, equity and community engagement. In 2023, the Detroit Grand Prix joined the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway as NTT INDYCAR SERIES events and venues to apply for Council for Responsible Sport certification.

Key community partnerships and programs helped the Detroit Grand Prix achieve its watershed gold-level certification.

Grand Prix partners worked collaboratively with event organizers to create unique community engagement, sustainability, youth enrichment, small business empowerment, and arts, culture and entrepreneurship opportunities across the City of Detroit this year. Focused on making a positive environmental impact, the 2023 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear worked with its partners at Priority Waste to implement robust waste diversion and recycling program to become the most sustainable Detroit Grand Prix in the event’s 41-year history. With support from Penske Truck Rental, this year’s Grand Prix also became the first-ever motorsport event to offset 100% of fan travel carbon emissions by investing in nature-based programs in Michigan and across the Midwest.

Thanks to Community Partners American Axle & Manufacturing, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Delta Air Lines, Delta Dental, DTE Foundation, Henry Ford Health, Huntington Bank, Lear Corporation and PNC Bank, the Grand Prix featured more accessibility than ever before and created some unique and engaging opportunities for neighborhoods and communities in Detroit to connect with the event. Community partnerships helped the event incorporate multiple viewing platforms along the racing circuit that provided access and free viewing for fans over more than half of the event’s footprint, all weekend long. With the support of the key Grand Prix Community Partners, students from the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan also designed eight unique art murals honoring local communities across Detroit that were displayed trackside for the world to see during the June 2-4 Grand Prix weekend, hosted on the downtown Streets of the Motor City for the first time since 1991.

Partner support also allowed the Grand Prix to create opportunities for neighborhoods and businesses across the city to benefit from the event. The Small Business Straightaway hosted in Cadillac Square during the Grand Prix gave nearly 30 locally owned and operated Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) businesses from each district in Detroit an opportunity to shine and benefit from a big weekend for commerce across the region.

With approximately 150,000 people attending the Grand Prix over the course of the three-day weekend, the event also injected millions of dollars of spending into the local economy following its relocation to the 1.7-mile street circuit in Downtown Detroit this summer.

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Detroit Pistons Themed Racecar – Gallery

Ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400 Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), Ally, the Detroit Pistons, former Super Bowl champion, Bernard Pollard and Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports along with his crew chief, Blake Harris, Isaiah Livers of the Pistons, and Piston legends James “Budda” Edwards and Rick Mahorn visited the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center in Detroit on Friday, August 4, for a unique crossover event involving racing and basketball and to celebrate the unveil of the No. 48 Ally show car sporting a Ally and Pistons paint scheme that will be raced by Bowman in the FireKeepers Casino 400 Cup Series Sunday, August 6, 2023.

The event began with basketball coaching from Pistons Mascot Hooper followed by a head-to-head round of “A-L-L-Y” (Ally’s version of H-O-R-S-E). After the basketball lesson, Bowman, Harris and Pollard shared the world of motorsports, showing off the Ally/Pistons-themed No. 48 Ally show car while also sharing the nuances of the car.

Photos: Alan Ashley – In Play! magazine

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