NASCAR heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series kicking things off. The Truck Series will qualify for the Team EJP 175 on Friday and race Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Meanwhile, the Cup Series will qualify on Saturday for the Dollar Tree 301 and race on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on the USA Network. Six drivers have already clinched spots for the upcoming Chase, with competitive scenarios playing out for others in both series.

By the Numbers
  • This weekend marks the 18th race of the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
  • 66% of races at New Hampshire have been won from the front row (14 of 21).
  • Only one overtime finish occurred in the last 14 Cup Series races, in 2024.
  • Five past active drivers have combined for a total of 10 wins at New Hampshire.
State of Play
  • Layne Riggs leads potential playoff contenders in the Truck Series.
  • Five of the last six Cup Series races were won from a top-five starting position.
  • There is a single race left before the Chase, raising stakes for drivers still vying for spots.
What's Next

Following the races at New Hampshire, the NASCAR circuits will shift focus to Daytona, where the season will culminate with only one race remaining before the Chase begins. Drivers in both series will look to secure positions and advantage heading into the playoffs.

Bottom Line

This weekend's races are critical for drivers in both the Truck and Cup Series, as they position themselves for the playoffs. With significant statistics hinting at current trends, results from New Hampshire could significantly influence which drivers advance to the Chase.