The Big Changes Coming in 2028
NASCAR just dropped a major surprise for the 2028 season with a confirmed return to San Diego. This news comes even as the 2027 schedule faces some big questions. The Chicago street race will not happen in 2027, according to Fox Sports All Headlines. Fans should expect the total number of races to stay the same at 38 events. The league is shifting focus to new locations while keeping the overall count steady for viewers.
The fate of the Naval Base Coronado race for 2027 remains unclear right now. Fox Sports All Headlines reports that this specific date is still to be determined. While the 2028 bombshell gets the headlines, the 2027 season holds its own drama. The league wants to keep the season length consistent even as it swaps out city streets for other tracks. This shows a clear plan to move away from urban chaos toward more traditional venues.
TV Deals and Broadcast Plans
The way fans watch the races is also getting a solid plan for the next few years. FOX Sports and FS1 will carry the first 14 Cup events again. Prime will take the next five Cup events in the lineup. Five Cup events will be on TNT to keep the summer racing hot. The final 14 Cup events will be on USA Sports, which includes USA and NBC. This split keeps the races spread across different networks so more people can tune in.
These broadcast deals matter because they determine where families can watch the action. Having races on Prime and TNT means fans need different subscriptions to see everything. The league is betting that the 38-event schedule will draw enough eyes to make these deals work. Per Fox Sports All Headlines, the plan is set for the first half of the season with FOX leading the charge. The second half shifts to TNT and then USA Sports to close out the year.
Why the Chicago Race is Gone
Removing the Chicago street race signals a shift in how NASCAR handles big city events. The city of Chicago will not host the race in 2027. This decision might come from the high costs or logistical headaches of racing on city streets. The league is looking at San Diego for 2028 instead. This move suggests they prefer a more stable track environment over the unpredictable nature of downtown streets. It is a safer bet for the drivers and the fans.
San Diego offers a proven location that fits the sport better than a temporary street course. The 2028 schedule bombshell hints at a return to roots with this coastal track. It is a smart play to secure a race that draws crowds without the extra work of closing down a whole city. The 38-event total stays the same, but the quality of the venues is getting a clear upgrade. Fans in the Midwest might miss the city lights, but the racing will likely be smoother.
The 2028 season will bring back San Diego while the 2027 season deals with uncertainty. The Naval Base Coronado date is still up in the air for next year. This mix of firm plans and loose ends keeps everyone guessing. The league is building a schedule that balances tradition with new excitement. The 38-event count proves they want a full season without dragging it out too long.
Watch the broadcast schedule closely as the year goes on. FOX, Prime, TNT, and USA Sports all have a piece of the action. This split ensures that the races reach different groups of people across the country. The 2028 return to San Diego is the big headline, but the 2027 changes set the stage.