NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Playoff Schedule 2026: Full Race Dates, Start times, Tracks, Format, TV Info
The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase features nine races that will determine the series champion. Following a return to the Chase-style championship format, the top 12 drivers in the regular-season standings advance to a nine-race postseason.
2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Playoff Schedule Format, How it works
In 2026, NASCAR shifted back to a Chase-style system across its national series. For the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series:
The top 12 drivers based solely on regular-season points qualify for the Chase (the previous “win-and-you’re-in” rule no longer applies).
Points are reset at the start of the Chase, with seeding based on regular-season standings.
The regular-season champion receives a points advantage.
Drivers compete over nine Chase races.
The driver with the most points at the end of the nine-race Chase is crowned the series champion.
Race winners now earn 55 points (an increase from the previous system). Stage points remain in place.
The Chase begins in early September and concludes with the Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
When does the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Playoff Schedule start?
The 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series playoffs start on September 5, 2026, with the Fleetio 200 at Darlington Raceway.
2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Playoff Schedule, Start-times, Results, Winners.
All times listed are Eastern.
When is the Fleetio 200?
Date: September 5.
Darlington Raceway
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
When is the Nu Way 225 Race?
September 12 – Nu Way 225
World Wide Technology Raceway
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
When is the Foot City 300 Race?
September 18 – Food City 300
Bristol Motor Speedway
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
When is the Focused Heath 302 Race?
October 3 – Focused Health 302
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
When is the Blue Cross NC 250 Race?
October 10 – Blue Cross NC 250
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Time: 4:00 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECT
When is the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Phoenix?
October 17 – O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Phoenix
Phoenix Raceway
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
When is the The Progress Group 250 Race?
October 24 – The Progress Group 250
Talladega Superspeedway
Time: 3:30 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
When is the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Martinsville?
October 31 – O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Martinsville
Martinsville Speedway
Time: 4:00 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
When is the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race?
November 7 – O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship Race
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Time: 5:00 p.m.
TV: The CW, DIRECTV
How to Watch the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Race Live?
Every race in the 2026 Chase airs live on The CW and is available through DIRECTV.
Streaming options are available via DIRECTV Stream and other live TV platforms that carry The CW.
Check local listings for the exact channel in your market. This nine-race Chase schedule provides the complete path to the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship, culminating at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 7.
___
