NASCAR adopts one-session Cup practice after team talks

NASCAR is switching Cup Series practice to a single 50-minute session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, replacing the split-group format used at most events. The change begins this weekend and will remain in place for the rest of the 2026 season at non-superspeedway, non-extended-practice weekends. Superspeedway races will keep their current practice format, and the Homestead-Miami season finale will also keep its current format.

Under the new setup, all entered cars will run together in one session with no mandatory break. Impound rules after qualifying will still limit adjustments, teams will not be allowed back to the garage during practice, and any changes will have to be made on pit road. NASCAR also will add an extra set of practice tires to each applicable weekend allotment.

Officials said the change came after talks with teams and other industry members, with a substantial majority of teams backing it. Jordan Bianchi said on The Teardown that the added track time should help mid-sized and deeper-garage teams make more meaningful adjustments and narrow the competitive gap, while also benefiting the bigger teams. Denny Hamlin questioned whether the longer sessions would make much difference.