If you’re sitting on your couch right now with the remote in your hand wondering does xfinity race today, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a bummer.
Actually, it’s not just a bummer—it’s a "check back in a few weeks" kind of situation. Today is January 18, 2026. If you look at the official calendar, the engines are still cold.
We are currently in the heart of the off-season. While some drivers are out in Tulsa flipping midget cars at the Chili Bowl, the big heavy stock cars are still tucked away in the shops in North Carolina. Basically, you won't see a green flag for the series formerly known as Xfinity for about another month.
The Name Game: Why Things Look Different
Wait, did I say "formerly known as"? Yeah, that’s one of the biggest shocks for fans this year.
For a decade, we called it the Xfinity Series. Now? It’s officially the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. It’s gonna take a while for that to roll off the tongue. Most of us are probably going to keep calling it Xfinity out of habit until at least the summer.
But whether you call it Xfinity or O’Reilly, the answer to does xfinity race today remains a solid no. The season doesn't actually kick off until mid-February.
When is the First Race?
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 14, 2026.
While most people are planning Valentine’s Day dinners, we’ll be watching the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. That’s the real season opener. It starts at 5 p.m. ET.
If you're looking for racing this weekend, you’re mostly looking at dirt tracks or local short tracks. NASCAR doesn't even start its exhibition stuff for another two weeks. The Cup guys have the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, but the "Xfinity" guys? They’re waiting for the high banks of Daytona.
Where to Watch When the Season Starts
When the season finally does get moving, things are going to look a little different on your TV guide too.
The CW has taken over the broadcast rights for the entire 33-race schedule. No more jumping between USA Network, CNBC, and NBC. It’s all on The CW. Honestly, having one home for the whole season is a massive win for fans who hate hunting for which channel has the race each week.
Looking Ahead at the 2026 Schedule
Since there isn't a race today, you might want to plan out your trips or your Sunday afternoons for later in the spring.
The 2026 schedule is actually pretty wild. After Daytona, the series heads to Atlanta on February 21 and then out to Austin for the road course at COTA on February 28.
One of the biggest changes this year is the return to Rockingham Speedway on April 4. "The Rock" has been a ghost track for a long time, and seeing the O’Reilly Series (the old Xfinity) go back there is going to be a nostalgia trip for anyone who watched racing in the 90s.
Key Dates for the Early 2026 Season:
- February 14: Daytona International Speedway (The Opener)
- February 21: Atlanta Motor Speedway
- February 28: Circuit of the Americas (Road Course)
- March 7: Phoenix Raceway
- March 14: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The Big Playoff Shakeup
If you're asking does xfinity race today because you're excited about the championship battle, there is a huge piece of news you need to know for 2026.
NASCAR ditched the elimination-style playoffs for this series. They brought back "The Chase."
It’s a 10-race format for the top 16 drivers. No more "win and you're in" leading to a final-four-takes-all single race. It’s back to a points reset and a 10-week grind to see who is actually the most consistent. This is a massive shift that most fans have been begging for because it rewards the full season's work instead of just one lucky break at the finale.
Speaking of the finale, it’s not in Phoenix anymore. The 2026 season ends at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 7.
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What to Do While You Wait
So, since there is no race today, what are you supposed to do?
If you've got the itch for speed, you can catch some of the Chili Bowl replays or look up the "Xfinity Fastest Lap" rule changes NASCAR just dropped. They recently decided that laps won't count toward the award if a driver has spent time in the garage during the race—a small technicality, but big for the guys fighting for those bonus points.
You could also spend the afternoon looking at the new San Diego street course layout. The series is heading to Naval Base Coronado on June 20. It's the first time we're seeing a street race on a military base, and it's probably going to be the most talked-about event of the summer.
Final Word on Today's Schedule
To recap: No, there is no Xfinity (O’Reilly) race today.
The shops are busy, the drivers are training, and the haulers are getting painted with those new O'Reilly Auto Parts logos. We are exactly 27 days away from the roar of the engines at Daytona.
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Take this time to make sure your CW app is updated and your DVR is cleared out. The 2026 season is going to be one of the most transformative years in the history of the series, and you definitely don't want to miss the start in February.
To stay ready, check the official NASCAR mobile app or the revamped O’Reilly Series landing page to confirm start times for the Daytona Speedweeks events next month.