As we all expected, NASCAR is making two significant changes for the 2026 season. First, to lower the minimum age for the O’Reilly Series. Second, add more butts to seats and more eyes on screens for both the Craftsman Truck and the O’Reilly Series.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Age Changes

For the 2026 season, NASCAR will lower the minimum age of entry for tracks 1.25 miles or shorter and road courses. How young? From 18 to 17. For any track over 1.25 miles, drivers must be 18 or older.

NASCAR Cup Series Drivers Can Compete in More Lower Series Races

NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series

Starting in 2026, Cup Series drivers with over three full-time seasons under their belt will be allowed to compete in up to 10 races in NASCAR’s middle series. Those drivers will be restricted to all regular-season races, except the Cutoff race. That means no championship races and no Playoff Races.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Just like the NOAPS, drivers from Cup can compete in more races and are still restricted to the regular season. However, unlike NOAPS, Cup drivers can compete in up to 8 races per season in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Image Credit: Julian Wayne/ Seriously Fast Motorsports