Toyota faces a concrete test at Nashville
It is honestly hard to believe what we are seeing in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. Toyota has been absolutely crushing it, claiming seven of the first nine races this year. With drivers like Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Tyler Reddick dominating the laps-led charts and holding three of the top four spots in the standings, you would expect them to be untouchable. Yet, here we are: it has been over a month since a Toyota machine saw the checkered flag.
Since Tyler Reddick—who already has five wins this season—took the win at Kansas Speedway back in April, the momentum has shifted. Chevrolet has snatched the last four victories, including Daniel Suárez’s impressive hold over Bell, Hamlin, and Ty Gibbs at the Coca-Cola 600. Now, the circus heads to the massive concrete surface of Nashville Superspeedway. It is a track where Toyota has yet to taste victory, and they are desperate to end this strange little slump before the summer heat truly settles in.
Keep an eye on Joey Logano, the Team Penske driver who won here in 2024 before securing his third Cup Series championship. He is currently struggling outside the top 16 in points, trailing Ryan Preece by 29 markers, making this weekend a critical turning point for him. Meanwhile, Zane Smith of Front Row Motorsports is coming off a strong showing at the Coke 600 where he led 31 laps. With his history at this circuit, he is one to watch alongside the concrete-specialist Ryan Preece.
