Samwise NASCAR Cup Series Newsletter
Thursday, July 16, 2026
NASCAR Revamps Daytona Superspeedway Aero Package
NASCAR has announced a revised superspeedway package for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 29, with the same changes applying to Talladega in October. The rear spoiler will shrink from seven inches to four — matching intermediate-track height — while horsepower drops from 510 to 465 to offset the reduced downforce. Single-car speeds should increase by roughly three mph, and cars in a pack will gain approximately five mph of passing capability over the current package. The revision targets fuel-saving strategies that have frustrated fans at recent superspeedway races. Teams will receive no practice before Daytona, as is standard for superspeedway weekends.
NASCAR Hires SVP International, Eyes Canada and Europe Expansion
NASCAR has hired Adam Layton, formerly the UFC’s Senior Vice President of International and Content, as SVP/NASCAR International as the sanctioning body accelerates its push outside North America. The role encompasses strategy development, event operations, and revenue generation for NASCAR’s national series and international circuits. CEO Steve O’Donnell specifically identified Canada, Europe, and England as markets where NASCAR is actively exploring race events beyond its existing foreign series operations. The move comes as NASCAR looks to build on its international presence with more structured executive leadership dedicated to global expansion.
Christopher Bell Eyes In-Season Challenge Breakthrough at North Wilkesboro
Christopher Bell arrives at North Wilkesboro Speedway as the only Toyota Camry XSE remaining in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series In-Season Challenge, having knocked out points leader Denny Hamlin in Round 3 at EchoPark Speedway. Bell now faces a semifinal matchup against Ryan Blaney during Sunday’s Window World 450, with a spot in the championship round at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the line. Bell has recorded five runner-up finishes in 2026 without a victory — and NASCAR’s analysis suggests the short-track oval could be the venue where his season breaks through.
Sources: NASCAR.com Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
North Wilkesboro Hosts First Cup Points Race Since 1996
North Wilkesboro Speedway will host its first NASCAR Cup Series points-paying race in 10,885 days when the Window World 450 takes the green flag Sunday, July 19 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT. The historic 0.625-mile oval last hosted a Cup points event on September 29, 1996, when Jeff Gordon edged Dale Earnhardt by 0.239 seconds. None of the 37 drivers in Sunday’s field have competed in a Cup points race at the track. The race carries a purse of $11,233,037 across 450 laps and uses Goodyear’s familiar short-track tire setup from Martinsville Speedway. Practice and qualifying are Saturday on truTV.
Chase Clinch Scenarios: Blaney Within Reach, Bubble Tightens
With Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick already clinched for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase, Ryan Blaney could lock up his own postseason berth at North Wilkesboro Speedway by accumulating 35 points in Sunday’s Window World 450. Hamlin leads the standings with 791 points over Reddick’s 767, with Blaney third at 726. At the cutline, Erik Jones holds the 16th and final Chase position, just eight points ahead of Joey Logano. Ryan Preece is 26 points below the bubble, Brad Keselowski 43 back, and Ross Chastain 45 out. Only six regular-season races remain before the 16-driver postseason field is locked.
Rusty Wallace Returns to North Wilkesboro as Grand Marshal
NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace will serve as co-Grand Marshal for Sunday’s Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, a fitting tribute to the driver who swept both 1993 Cup races at the historic oval. Wallace led 685 laps during his Cup career at North Wilkesboro — 11th all-time — and his connection to Team Penske runs through the track’s history. Austin Cindric will honor that legacy by racing the No. 2 Freightliner Ford in a black-and-gold throwback scheme inspired by Wallace’s iconic Penske livery as part of the team’s 60th anniversary celebrations. North Wilkesboro Speedway announced a broader dignitary lineup for the race weekend on Wednesday.
Cup Series Standings (Top 16)
1. Denny Hamlin — 791 pts
2. Tyler Reddick — 767 pts
3. Ryan Blaney — 726 pts
4. Ty Gibbs — 665 pts
5. Chase Elliott — 610 pts
6. Kyle Larson — 594 pts
7. Chris Buescher — 568 pts
8. Shane Hocevar — 563 pts
9. Christopher Bell — 551 pts
10. Chase Briscoe — 542 pts
11. Daniel Suarez — 529 pts
12. William Byron — 520 pts
13. Bubba Wallace — 493 pts
14. Austin Cindric — 470 pts
15. Shane van Gisbergen — 469 pts
16. Erik Jones — 446 pts ― CUTLINE
Manufacturer Standings
1. Toyota — 927 pts
2. Chevrolet — 806 pts
3. Ford — 667 pts
Curated by JD · samwise.agency