Predict the entire 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season race by race. Our NASCAR season simulator lets you pick winners for all 36 events—from the Daytona 500 through the championship finale at Homestead-Miami—and watch the standings update in real time. Set stage results, award fastest-lap points, and see exactly how your predictions play out when The Chase begins. Whether you’re testing a bold prediction or mapping out your fantasy NASCAR strategy, this is the most complete Cup Series simulator available.
How NASCAR Cup Series Points Work in 2026
NASCAR overhauled its points system for 2026, placing more emphasis on winning races. Here’s the breakdown:
Race Points: The race winner now earns 55 points—up from 40 under the old system. Second place receives 35 points, third gets 34, and points decrease from there through 40th position. Every driver who starts earns at least one point.
Stage Points: Each race is divided into three segments (except for the Coca-Cola 600, which is divided into 4). The top 10 finishers in Stage 1 and Stage 2 (and stage 3 for the Coca-Cola 600) earn stage points (10 for first, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth). A driver who wins both stages and the race can earn a maximum of 75 points in a single event. If he also has the fastest lap, he could earn 76.
No More Playoff Points: Unlike the previous format, there are no “playoff points” that carry into the postseason. The Chase uses a clean points reset with seeding based on regular-season finish.
The Chase Format in 2026
NASCAR brought back The Chase for 2026, but it works differently from both the old Chase (2004-2013) and the elimination playoffs (2014-2025). Here’s how it works:
Qualifying: The top 16 drivers in regular-season points after 26 races make The Chase. There’s no more “win and you’re in”—you have to earn your spot through consistent points finishes.
Points Reset: Chase drivers start with reset point totals based on their regular-season finish. The regular-season champion starts with 2,100 points. Second place gets 2,075, third gets 2,065, and each position after drops by 5 points. This gives the top seed a 25-point cushion.
No Eliminations: Unlike the 2014-2025 playoffs, there are no elimination rounds. All 16 Chase drivers compete across all 10 races, accumulating points the entire way.
Championship: The driver with the most points after the 10th Chase race at Homestead-Miami Speedway wins the championship. No knockout rounds, no winner-take-all finale—just the best points total over the full Chase.
How to Use This Simulator
Click any race to set your predictions. Use the tabs to enter Stage 1, Stage 2, and final finishing positions, plus the fastest lap bonus. Hit “Simulate” to auto-generate random results, or pick every position yourself. The standings update automatically as you go. Use “Reset” to start over, or share your completed season prediction with the download and share buttons.