Las Vegas saw perennial title contender Denny Hamlin claim the checkered flag as NASCAR wrapped up it’s early season stint out west. Now the series heads back to the East Coast for the 2026 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
Darlington has long represented one of the most challenging circuits on the NASCAR schedule. In addition to the typical challenges, drivers will face some unknowns this weekend that ought to make for some interesting racing.
With that in mind, let’s dive in.
2026 Goodyear 400 Entry List
With Alex Bowman still dealing with health issues, Justin Allgaier will be back behind the wheel of the #48 for Hendrick Motorsports once again this week. One car will join the 36 chartered entries for this weekend as an open car, as Timmy Hill pilots the #66 Ford for Carl Long’s Garage 66.
There are many different ways to get around @TooToughToTame.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 20, 2026
None of them are easy. 😤 pic.twitter.com/K2BUtSEo3N
Darlington Raceway features one of the most unique layouts in oval racing, thanks to a legendary pond that allegedly tightened one end of the racing track. The result is an extremely difficult 1.366-mile oval with two ends of the racing track that handle very differently.
In addition to the unique layout, NASCAR is bringing a bit of a different package to Darlington in 2026. The package features an increase in horsepower, less aerodynamic stability, and tires that will likely wear away on the rough surface of Darlington. All of this makes for cars that are likely to be on edge, giving me a lot of excitement for the race this weekend.
2026 Goodyear 400 Race Predictions
With the changes in the package for Darlington in 2026, it’s tough to predict exactly who will end up atop the board at the end of this race. Tire management will likely play a role, and we’ve seen Denny Hamlin excel there in the past.
Hamlin’s JGR teammate Chase Briscoe also seems to have a knack for Darlington, as he won at the Track Too Tough to Tame in both of the last two fall races.
Outside of the JGR camp, I’d expect Kyle Larson and William Byron to be in the mix as both drivers have run well at Darlington in the past. I worry about the Chevrolets, however, given that they have the added difficulty of the new nose to go with the changes in package.
It was a @dennyhamlin double last year at @TooToughToTame.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 20, 2026
Can last week's winner go back-to-back again this season? pic.twitter.com/gHtbb66pMT
Ultimately, I think Briscoe wins here again, but don’t be surprised if on-track incidents drastically alter the outcome of this race, as I expect a lot of attrition with drivers making adjustments as the race goes on.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action for the remainder of the weekend.
Friday 03/20
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice – 2:30 p.m. CT on FS2
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 3:35 p.m. CT on FS2
Buckle Up South Carolina 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 6:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 03/21
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice – 11:00 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying – 12:05 p.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Practice – 1:30 p.m. CT on Prime
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 2:40 p.m. CT on Prime
Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 (NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) – 4:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 03/22
Goodyear 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:00 p.m. CT on FS1 and HBO Max
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