sports
NASCAR Cup Series to Restore 50-Minute Practice Sessions Starting August 2026
Teams will shift from 25-minute group sessions to full 50-minute practices starting at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The change reverses a cost-cutting format used since the COVID-19 pandemic. Superspeedway events at Daytona and Talladega remain without practice.
Jul 18, 4:00 PM·1m read1 source
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com reported. The move replaces the 25-minute group sessions that have been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic as a cost-cutting measure. com reported that the longer sessions aim to give smaller organizations time to discover performance gains they previously lacked.
Under the prior schedule, teams relied mainly on simulations to set chassis setups, a method that favored larger teams aligned with Chevrolet, Ford or Toyota. Drivers will not be permitted to return their cars to the garage during the new sessions and must complete adjustments on pit road, yardbarker.com reported. Superspeedway races at Daytona and Talladega will continue without any practice.
If the schedule takes effect at New Hampshire, 10 of the season's final 12 race weekends will include a 50-minute Cup Series practice, yardbarker.com reported.
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