After seven races in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, consider us in agreement with this longtime axiom:
It’s too early to talk about the points.
But it’s not too early to talk about the impact the points could have on driver behavior.
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There have been 42 cautions so far in 2026 – the fewest through seven Cup races since 2018 (when there were 40) and the second-lowest total of the stage racing era that began in 2017 (and guaranteed two cautions per race).
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The statistics would indicate Cup drivers are being more prudent with their moves, particularly earlier in races.
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Simply translated, it means being more mindful – from start to finish – of the risks vs. rewards of racing in the Cup Series under a new paradigm with old mantras.
— NASCAR Substack —