Chevrolet will hit the track for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season sporting an updated design of its Camaro ZL1 racecar, with its competition debut set to come in February at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray.
The new Camaro ZL1 took its first laps around the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway earlier this week during a closed test session conducted by NASCAR and Goodyear to evaluate the new 750-horsepower engine package as well as work on determining the best tire setup for Bristol and other short tracks in the upcoming season. Alex Bowman drove the new Chevrolet, while Ryan Preece and Bubba Wallace also participated in the two-day test for their respective manufacturers.
The new machine will make its official debut at the challenging Tennessee half-mile bullring on April 10-12, during the tradition-rich Food City 500 weekend. The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Bristol in the fall for the crown jewel Bass Pro Shops Night Race weekend, September 17-19. Chevy teams that are scheduled to compete in those events include Hendrick Motorsports headlined by Cup Series champ Kyle Larson and the sport's most popular driver, Chase Elliott. The legendary Richard Childress Racing team is also expected to field the new Camaro ZL1 with veteran drivers Austin Dillon in the famed No. 3 Chevy and nine-time Bristol winner Kyle Busch at the controls of the No. 8 Chevy. Trackhouse Racing, Spire Motorsports and Hyak Motorsports also are among the Chevrolet chartered teams in the Cup Series.
The latest edition Camaro ZL1 racecar will feature upgraded styling that is aligned with Chevrolet’s recently released Camaro ZL1 Carbon Performance Package accessories kit for owners to optimize the performance capabilities of the sixth-generation Camaro ZL1 production car. Chevrolet collaborated with NASCAR and its teams on this update.
The most prominent racecar changes are a larger hood power dome, a revised front grille, and more pronounced rocker panels along the sides of the car. These mirror the new Carbon Performance Package's carbon-fiber hood insert and rockers, plus ZL1 1LE-spec front grille and splitter.
Dating back to 1955, Chevrolet has competed with 14 different nameplates in the NASCAR Cup Series – recording 881 all-time victories, 34 Driver Championships, and 44 Manufacturer Championships, including the past five Manufacturer titles, to earn the title as the winningest manufacturer in the series’ history.
To purchase tickets, upgrades and premium items for either of the NASCAR Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2026, please click here, or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158.
