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2018 NASCAR Cup Series schedule features Charlotte road course, Vegas in playoffs

By Nick Tylwalk

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: A logo for the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is seen during practice for Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 10, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: A logo for the NASCAR Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is seen during practice for Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 10, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 NASCAR schedules are out, and the Cup Series slate has a number of noteworthy changes.

The only constant in the NASCAR schedule from year to year is change, but some years that’s more true than others. Consider the 2018 NASCAR schedule, which was released today, an example of more upheaval than usual.

Thanks to Las Vegas Motor Speedway getting a second race weekend, that was always going to be the case. The new Cup Series race will take place on Sep. 16 and will be the first race in the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

The cutoff to make the postseason will also take place in a new location. Richmond has been the last chance for drivers to race into the playoffs for some time, but that honor will now go to the Brickyard, with the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to be held on Sep. 9 — a big change from its typical July date, but one that could help boost flagging attendance.

In fact the first three-race segment of the 2018 Cup Series playoffs looks completely different next season. It’ll be Chicagoland-New Hampshire-Dover this year, but in 2018 it will be Las Vegas-Richmond-Charlotte. And that second Charlotte race will be run on a road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway that utilizes portions of the oval as well, the first time a road course will make an appearance in the playoffs.

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Also noteworthy is the move to have Daytona 500 qualifying and the Clash on the same day, Feb. 11, 2018. The Daytona 500 will follow a week later on Feb. 18.

Here’s a look at the complete 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule, courtesy of NASCAR.com.

  • Feb. 11 – Daytona International Speedway (Clash/Daytona 500 qualifying)
  • Feb. 15 – Daytona International Speedway (Duel)

Regular season

  • Feb. 18 – Daytona 500
  • Feb. 25 – Atlanta Motor Speedway
  • March 4 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  • March 11 – Phoenix Raceway
  • March 18 – Auto Club Speedway
  • March 25 – Martinsville Speedway
  • April 8 – Texas Motor Speedway
  • April 15 – Bristol Motor Speedway
  • April 21 – Richmond International Raceway
  • April 29 – Talladega Superspeedway
  • May 6 – Dover International Speedway
  • May 12 – Kansas Speedway
  • May 19 – Charlotte Motor Speedway (Monster Energy All-Star Race)
  • May 27 – Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • June 3 – Pocono Raceway
  • June 10 – Michigan International Speedway
  • June 24 – Sonoma Raceway
  • July 1 – Chicagoland Speedway
  • July 7 – Daytona International Speedway
  • July 14 – Kentucky Speedway
  • July 22 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway
  • July 29 – Pocono Raceway
  • Aug. 5 – Watkins Glen International
  • Aug. 12 – Michigan International Speedway
  • Aug. 18 – Bristol Motor Speedway
  • Sept. 2 – Darlington Raceway
  • Sept. 9 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Playoffs – Round of 16

  • Sept. 16 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  • Sept. 22 – Richmond International Raceway
  • Sept. 30 – Charlotte Motor Speedway

Playoffs – Round of 12

  • Oct. 7 – Dover International Speedway
  • Oct. 14 – Talladega Superspeedway
  • Oct. 21 – Kansas Speedway

Playoffs – Round of 8

  • Oct. 28 – Martinsville Speedway
  • Nov. 4 – Texas Motor Speedway
  • Nov. 11 – Phoenix Raceway

Playoffs – Championship Round

  • Nov. 18: Homestead-Miami Speedway
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