You’ve seen the schedule. You know the Daytona 500 is still a month away. But if you’re looking for a NASCAR cup race tomorrow, you’re likely seeing buzz about Tucson and wondering if you missed a surprise schedule change.
The short answer? Tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026, isn't a points-paying Cup Series race. Honestly, the "real" season doesn't kick off until the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1.
But here’s the thing. While the multi-million dollar haulers aren't parked in Arizona, a lot of the guys you cheer for on Sundays are currently shivering in the desert for the 2026 Chilly Willy.
The Tucson "Cup" Connection
Technically, tomorrow is the opening night of the Chilly Willy at Tucson Speedway. It’s a 3/8-mile asphalt oval that basically acts as the unofficial preseason for Cup drivers who can't stand sitting on the couch.
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Why should you care? Because tomorrow's practice and qualifying sessions feature names like William Sawalich and even Kevin Harvick (who’s been spotted supporting his son Keelan’s rising career). It’s raw. It’s loud. It’s the kind of racing that reminds you why these guys started driving in the first place.
If you’re looking to watch, it’s not on FOX or NBC yet. You have to head over to FloRacing. Coverage starts around 7:45 p.m. ET tomorrow.
What’s Changing for the 2026 Cup Season
While the guys are beating and banging in Late Models tomorrow, the big teams in Charlotte are scrambling. NASCAR just dropped a massive bombshell about the 2026 season: The Chase is back.
Forget the "Playoffs." Forget the elimination rounds every three weeks. NASCAR is reverting to a 10-race postseason format for the 16 top drivers. Basically, they're rewarding consistency again. You don't just "win and in" anymore. You have to actually be good every week.
- Points for a win: Jumped from 40 to 55.
- The Reset: 16 drivers get a points reset before Darlington on Sept. 6.
- The Finale: We’re finally going back to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the championship on Nov. 8.
The Schedule You Actually Need
If you're planning your life around the TV tomorrow, just know that the big engines don't roar for the cameras until February. Here is the actual "start" of the year:
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- Feb 1: The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (8 p.m. ET on FOX). This is the "Madhouse." It's going to be chaos.
- Feb 12: The Duels at Daytona.
- Feb 15: The Daytona 500.
Basically, if you see a "NASCAR cup race tomorrow" headline, it's talking about the Hyak Motorsports season preview or the grassroots stuff in Tucson. Hyak is actually the team to watch tomorrow—they’re doing their official 2026 reveal.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to be ready for the actual Cup season, do these three things right now:
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- Check your FloRacing sub: If you want to see the Tucson action tomorrow night, that’s your only window.
- Update your DVR: The Clash is on a Sunday night (Feb 1), not the usual afternoon slot.
- Watch the Hyak Motorsports Reveal: They are the "new" force in the garage for 2026, and their season preview drops tomorrow, Jan 16.
The 2026 season is going to feel very different with the return of The Chase. It’s a bit of a throwback, and honestly, it’s about time.