The 5 Must-See Dates On The Colorado National Speedway 2026 Schedule (Plus The New 'DF' Rule Explained)
The roar of engines is already echoing across Dacono, CO, as the Colorado National Speedway (CNS) faithful eagerly await the 2026 season. As of December 26, 2025, a draft of the highly anticipated Colorado National Speedway schedule has been released, promising a monumental year of high-octane NASCAR-sanctioned racing. While the full weekly calendar is still a draft and subject to change, the dates for the biggest, most electrifying special events have been locked in, featuring national touring series and massive payouts that will draw the best drivers in the country.
This article provides the most current, unique, and essential details for the 2026 CNS season, including the marquee event dates, the classes you can expect to see, and a breakdown of a significant new rule change—the "DF" designation—that will shake up the weekly racing program.
The Marquee 2026 Colorado National Speedway Special Events
The 2026 CNS calendar is packed with national-level action, ensuring that the 3/8-mile paved oval remains Colorado's premier destination for short-track racing. These five events are the absolute highlights of the season and should be circled on every fan's calendar.
- ARCA Menards Series West 150-Lap Shootout: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Independence Day Sprint Car Showdown ($10K to Win): Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4, 2026
- CARS Tour West Series: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Race For The Million Sprint Car Show: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Lowry Insurance Season Opener: (Date TBA - Expected Early May)
1. The National Series Kick-Off: ARCA Menards Series West (May 23, 2026)
The first major event of the year, and a likely candidate for the season-opening weekend’s marquee event, is the return of the ARCA Menards Series West. This 150-lap shootout on Saturday, May 23, 2026, promises intense competition and is a key stop on the national developmental racing circuit. The ARCA race often serves as the unofficial kick-off to the summer racing season, bringing top-tier talent and NASCAR hopefuls to the high-altitude, high-speed track. This event will be a major draw for fans looking for a blend of local excitement and national prestige.
2. The $20,000 Independence Day Sprint Car Showdown (July 3 & 4, 2026)
The Fourth of July weekend will explode with action as Sprint Cars take center stage for a massive two-night event. Drivers will compete for a staggering $10,000-to-win on both Friday, July 3rd, and Saturday, July 4th, making it one of the most lucrative Sprint Car events in the region. High-speed, open-wheel racing combined with the traditional CNS Fireworks Extravaganza makes this weekend a must-attend for all CNS ticket holders.
3. The West Coast Invasion: CARS Tour West Series (August 1, 2026)
The CARS Tour West will make its anticipated stop at Colorado National Speedway on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The series features Northwest Pro Late Models, showcasing some of the best Late Model racing talent from the western United States. This event adds another layer of national touring credibility to the CNS schedule, giving local fans a chance to see different racing styles and competitors.
4. The High-Stakes Race For The Million (August 22, 2026)
A new, high-profile event joining the 2026 CNS calendar is the Race For The Million Sprint Car Show on August 22, 2026. While details on the total purse are still emerging, the name itself suggests a massive payout and a field of elite Sprint Car drivers. This event, which is part of a multi-track tour, solidifies CNS as a key venue for big-money, high-stakes open-wheel racing, significantly boosting the track's national profile.
5. The Weekly Racing Kick-Off: The Lowry Insurance Season Opener
While the official date for the "Lowry Insurance Season Opener" is not yet confirmed on the publicly released draft, it traditionally marks the start of the regular weekly racing program for the local classes. This event is where the season-long championship battles begin for fan-favorite divisions like:
- Super Late Model
- Late Model
- Legends
- Bandoleros
- Grand American Modified
- Figure 8
- Trains
Keep a close watch on the official CNS website for the announcement of this date, which usually takes place in early to mid-May.
The Game-Changing New 'DF' Designation: Double Feature Explained
One of the most unique and important details for the 2026 Colorado National Speedway schedule is the introduction of the "DF" designation. Close observers of the draft calendar will notice this new acronym next to various dates. This is not just a scheduling note; it's a significant change to the weekly racing format.
What is the 'DF' Designation?
The "DF" designation stands for Double Feature. This means that on certain race nights, a featured class will run not one, but two full-length feature races. This innovative format is designed to give fans more action for their ticket price and provide drivers with more opportunities to earn points, prize money, and track time.
Why the Double Feature Matters for CNS Fans and Drivers
The Double Feature format is a huge win for everyone involved. For the "CNS Faithful," it means seeing twice the main event action from their favorite divisions in a single night. Instead of one 40-lap feature, you might get two 25-lap features, keeping the energy high and the racing tight. For drivers, it doubles the chances of a victory and makes the championship chase more dynamic, as a poor finish in one feature can be redeemed in the second.
This commitment to a fresh, packed schedule is part of the reason CNS maintains its reputation as a leading NASCAR-sanctioned short track in the region.
Essential CNS Ticket and Track Information
Planning your trip to the Colorado National Speedway (CNS) in Dacono, CO, is straightforward, but it's important to know the key logistics, especially for the high-demand special events.
Ticket Pricing for Special Events
While weekly racing prices may vary, the general pricing structure for the major special events is clear:
- Adults (ages 13 & Up): $20.00
- Youth (ages 5-12): $10.00
It is always recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for the ARCA, Sprint Car, and CARS Tour events, as these often draw capacity crowds. Check the official CNS website for the most current pricing and to buy tickets online.
The CNS Experience
Colorado National Speedway is a 3/8-mile paved oval track located in Dacono, CO, just north of Denver. It is a NASCAR-sanctioned facility that has been hosting incredible short-track racing for decades. The atmosphere is family-friendly, featuring a full-service concession area, ample seating, and excellent sightlines of the entire track. From the thunder of the Super Late Models to the chaos of the Figure 8 and Trains, the CNS experience is a quintessential part of the Colorado motorsports scene.
The 2026 draft schedule is a testament to the track's commitment to delivering a diverse and action-packed season. By focusing on major national tours and introducing innovative weekly formats like the Double Feature, CNS is set for one of its most exciting years yet.
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