CONCORD, N.C. -- NASCAR dropped the schedule for the 2022 Cup Series, which includes some exciting changes as the highest level of stock car racing prepares to introduce the "Next Gen" cars on the circuit next year.
One of the biggest updates to the 2022 schedule is The Clash starting the season off on the West Coast at Los Angeles Coliseum. The exhibition race will be the first NASCAR event held inside the Coliseum, which opened in 1923. The venue will be transformed into a quarter-mile paved short track that will be designed to show off the skills of the drivers in the new "Next Gen" machines.
The dirt race at Bristol Motor Speedway is back for a second year in a row. This time, the event will take place at night under the lights of the half-mile track as opposed to the daytime race that was featured in 2021.
Another massive change is the addition of World wide Technology Raceway entering the Cup Series schedule for the first time. The 1.25-mile Madison, Illinois, venue is a mainstay on the IndyCar Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and is the only new track being introduced.
“As we demonstrated last year, we are committed to creating the most dynamic schedule for our fans, long term,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR senior vice president of strategy and innovation. “With the addition of new and unique venues like the Coliseum and World Wide Technology Raceway, each in markets with passionate NASCAR fans, we’re continuing to build on bold changes to deliver the best racing in the world.
“This latest iteration of the schedule should lend itself to another season filled with drama and great racing on the track, starting with the DAYTONA 500 and culminating with NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway.”
While the playoffs look relatively similar to 2021, Richmond Raceway will not be a postseason race next year and Homestead-Miami Speedway will move from the spring back into the playoffs with an October event.
Take a look below to see the full 2022 NASCAR Cup Series schedule.
The Clash at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Sunday, Feb. 6
The Duel at Daytona
Thursday, Feb. 17
DAYTONA 500
Sunday, Feb. 20
Auto Club Speedway
Sunday, Feb. 27
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sunday, March 6
Phoenix Raceway
Sunday, March 13
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, March 20
Circuit of The Americas
Sunday, March 27
Richmond Raceway
Sunday, April 3
Martinsville Speedway
Saturday, April 9
Bristol Motor Speedway (dirt)
Sunday, April 17
Talladega Superspeedway
Sunday, April 24
Dover International Speedway
Sunday, May 1
Darlington Raceway
Sunday, May 8
Kansas Speedway
Sunday, May 16
All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway
Sunday, May 22
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Sunday, May 29
World Wide Technology Raceway
Sunday, June 5
Sonoma Raceway
Sunday, June 12
Nashville Superspeedway
Sunday, June 26
Road America
Sunday, July 3
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, July 10
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Sunday, July 17
Pocono Raceway
Sunday, July 24
Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course
Sunday, July 31
Michigan International Speedway
Sunday, Aug. 7
Richmond Raceway
Sunday, Aug. 14
Watkins Glen International
Sunday, Aug. 21
Daytona International Speedway
Sunday, Aug. 27
Darlington Raceway
Sunday, Sept. 4
Kansas Speedway
Sunday, Sept 11
Bristol Motor Speedway
Saturday, Sept. 17
Texas Motor Speedway
Sunday, Sept. 25
Talladega Superspeedway
Sunday, Oct. 2
Charlotte Roval
Sunday, Oct. 9
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sunday, Oct. 16
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Sunday, Oct. 23
Martinsville Speedway
Sunday, Oct. 30
Phoenix Raceway
Sunday, Nov. 6