NASCAR Cup driver out after first DNF since 2020, return date set

Gray Gaulding made his first NASCAR Cup Series start in more than three years at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

By Asher Fair · Beyond the Flag

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 10:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Gray Gaulding is out for Phoenix but will return to the Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway.
Gaulding finished 36th at Charlotte Motor Speedway following his first Cup Series DNF since May 2020.
The Charlotte appearance marked Gaulding's first NASCAR Cup Series start in over three years.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Gray Gaulding and Garage 66 are not competing at Phoenix Raceway following a DNF at Charlotte, but Gaulding is set to return at Martinsville Speedway.

Gaulding made his first Cup Series appearance in over three years at Charlotte Motor Speedway driving the No. 66 Ford, ending a 124-race absence. A late incident resulted in a 36th-place finish and marked his first series DNF since May 2020.

Read the full article on Beyond the Flag

NASCAR Cup driver out after first DNF since 2020, return date set

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