These types of lists typically come around the new year, but with the 2026 racing season firing up, some patterns are already hard to ignore.

1) Doing Less

I'm not the only racer aiming to do less this year. Fewer events, less travel, less wrenching: it's okay to rein things in a bit. Jam-packed schedules and long-distance travel are only sustainable for so long. The grind eventually catches up, and people are starting to notice.

2) Spec Racing

Power-to-weight race classes make it exceedingly difficult to achieve parity and can have you cracking open your wallet with no end in sight, especially if you choose a platform outside the "meta" and spend the season chasing cars you'll never rival.

While it has taken me many years to come around to the idea, there is a certain peace in knowing your car has the exact same parts as the next one, and that when you lose, it's simply because you got outdriven.

3) Endurance Racing

What better way to work on race cars less than to rent a seat on an endurance racing team? Even if you contribute to working on the car, at least it is a team effort. Endurance racing is also a great way to keep a friend group together, or to stack a ton of laps at a new track you are learning.

4) Practicing and Testing

It's really difficult to dial in a car's setup or improve your pace when you are only racing. Spending time testing and practicing your skills in a DE or open track day environment can pay dividends in improving your race results. It probably means racing less (see #1), but the trade-off is progression instead of repetition.

What trends are you seeing this season? Anything you strongly agree or disagree with? Hit reply, and let's chat about it.

a group of people standing next to a line of parked cars
Photo by Jaxon Smith