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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Noah Gragson, driver of the #4 Long John Silver’s Ford, and Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Body Guard Ford, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
The NASCAR Cup Series will take a key step toward the 2026 season this week with an organizational test at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The one-day test is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13. This will serve as the first major on-track evaluation of NASCAR’s updated 750-horsepower rules package. According to Zack Albert of NASCAR.com, one team from each chartered Cup Series organization will participate as the sport prepares for North Wilkesboro’s return to the points-paying schedule.
NASCAR officials plan to use the test to gather data, review competition goals, and allow teams to fine-tune setups ahead of the regular-season event.
NASCAR evaluates 750-horsepower short-track package
NASCAR confirmed the test will focus on the new 750-horsepower rules package for tracks shorter than 1.5 miles. The package increases baseline horsepower from 670 and uses an aerodynamic configuration first introduced on short tracks in 2024.
That setup includes three-inch rear spoilers and fewer strakes on the rear diffuser. NASCAR implemented the changes to reduce downforce and improve racing quality on short tracks.
Teams will spend the day running extended sessions to evaluate tire wear, braking zones, and overall car balance. NASCAR scheduled the test session from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
As noted by Albert, the session represents the first full rehearsal of the 750-horsepower package ahead of the 2026 season.
Why NASCAR targeted 750 horsepower for short tracks
The North Wilkesboro test reflects a broader direction NASCAR set in motion last year. Competition officials selected 750 horsepower for short tracks and road courses in 2026 after sustained feedback from drivers, teams, manufacturers, and fans.
Steve O’Donnell said the decision required balance. John Probst added that early tests like North Wilkesboro are important to confirm durability, performance, and competition goals before the package is expanded further across the schedule.
“That gives us an opportunity to sample some of the short tracks, road courses early in the season, get a look at the engines after we’ve raced them at the new power level, Probst said.  It is a package. It’s the downforce, it’s the drag, it’s the power, it’s the tire wear, all together that’s creating those good shows, he added. ”
North Wilkesboro prepares for Cup Series return
North Wilkesboro Speedway is a 0.625-mile oval. It last hosted a points-paying Cup Series race in 1996. After years of inactivity, renovation efforts helped return the facility to the NASCAR calendar.
The speedway has hosted the All-Star Race for the past three seasons. Its return to the regular-season schedule will come with the Window World 450 on July 19 at 7 p.m. ET.
TNT Sports will carry the television broadcast, with radio coverage provided by PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The race will also stream on HBO Max.
NASCAR will open the grandstands for Tuesday’s test from noon to 5 p.m. ET with free admission.
Drivers and teams scheduled to participate
Each chartered Cup Series organization will field one car in the test, with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota teams all represented.
The expected driver list includes Ross Chastain, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, AJ Allmendinger, Chris Buescher, Chase Briscoe, Josh Berry, Joey Logano, Zane Smith, Cole Custer, Erik Jones, Tyler Reddick, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Cody Ware.
Teams will leave North Wilkesboro with data that will shape preparation not only for the July race but for other short-track events on the 2026 schedule.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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