Adam Alexander unveils the roaring 2026 NASCAR season, highlighting Daytona 500 drama, thrilling new tracks and the return of The Chase
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - In the high-octane world of NASCAR, few personalities are as omnipresent as Adam Alexander. The seasoned broadcaster is set for one of his most demanding years yet, serving as the lead voice for the NASCAR Cup Series on Prime Video and TNT, while also calling races for the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) on The CW.
This multi-network role positions him to cover over 40 races across the 2026 season, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the sport's broadcast booths.
Alexander recently joined The Jones Report podcast for an in-depth conversation about the upcoming campaign, which officially roars to life with the iconic Daytona 500 this weekend.
Known for his professionalism and ability to seamlessly collaborate with diverse broadcast teams, Alexander is once again teaming up with analysts Jamie McMurray and Parker Kligerman for The CW's O’Reilly Auto Parts Series coverage—marking the second straight year of that partnership.
On the Cup side, he'll pair with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. and former crew chief Steve Letarte on Prime Video and TNT broadcasts, promising sharp insights and engaging commentary.
Despite the packed schedule, Alexander downplays the challenge, crediting strong production crews for keeping things manageable. "Really it’s not that bad when you’re doing one series and one network," he explained.
The real test comes in the summer months, particularly June and July, when overlapping events from The CW's O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races and Cup Series action on Prime Video and TNT demand careful coordination. Yet, Alexander embraces the variety, viewing it as an opportunity to bring fresh energy to each platform.
As the season opener approaches at Daytona International Speedway, all eyes are on William Byron, the two-time defending Daytona 500 champion. Byron enters the weekend chasing a historic three-peat—a feat no driver has accomplished in the "Great American Race."
Alexander sees this as a defining moment for Byron's career trajectory. "A great opportunity in front of William Byron," he said, noting the driver's noticeable evolution. "We’ve seen the growth in him as a driver," highlighting how Byron has matured into a consistent threat on superspeedways and beyond. The 2026 NASCAR landscape introduces several fresh elements that have fans buzzing.
The regular-season schedule welcomes three notable tracks: the return of Chicagoland Speedway (hosting a points race on July 5 after a lengthy absence), North Wilkesboro Speedway (earning its first points event since 1996 on July 19), and a brand-new street course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego (set for June 21).
Alexander is particularly enthusiastic about the San Diego event, sharing a personal anecdote from a pre-announcement visit last spring. He spent 24 hours on an aircraft carrier, experiencing a surreal adventure that included flying in an Osprey helicopter over the Pacific and landing on the flight deck. "That was one of the most surreal unique experiences of my life," he recalled. "I absolutely cannot wait to get out to San Diego."
The military-base setting promises a distinctive atmosphere, blending high-speed racing with patriotic flair.
Perhaps the most anticipated shift is the return of The Chase as NASCAR's postseason format, replacing the previous elimination-style playoffs after more than a decade. The new (yet nostalgic) structure features 16 drivers qualifying based on regular-season points, advancing to a 10-race Chase without round-by-round eliminations or a "win-and-in" scenario. Top seeds receive bonus points to reward consistency, emphasizing performance across the full season while maintaining late-year drama.
Alexander is optimistic about the change's impact. "I think we’re going to see something we haven’t seen within the body of these races," he predicted. "Stage racing is gonna become enormous, because getting points is going to be the end all be all."
He anticipates shifts in team strategy, with crew chiefs and drivers rethinking approaches to maximize stage points and overall positioning. This format aims to crown a champion who excels over the long haul rather than relying on single-race luck, potentially delivering more balanced and compelling racing.
Fans eager for more can listen to the complete interview on the latest episode of The Jones Report podcast, available on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms.
Alexander's first on-air assignment this weekend is calling Saturday's NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series United Rentals 300 from Daytona at 5 p.m. ET on The CW.
With a revamped championship chase, iconic track revivals, a groundbreaking street race, and Byron's pursuit of history, the 2026 season promises high stakes from the green flag. Alexander's versatile voice will guide viewers through it all, ensuring every twist and turn is captured with expertise and enthusiasm.