When you are looking for what channel is the nascar race on today, the answer depends heavily on the point in the season. For the 2026 season, the broadcast rights are split between four major networks.
- Channel: FOX, FS1, Prime Video, TNT Sports, NBC, or USA Network.
- Race time: Typically between 2:00 PM ET and 3:30 PM ET on Sundays.
- Streaming options: FOX Sports App, Peacock, Amazon Prime, HBO Max (B/R Sports Add-On), and live TV streaming services.
If you want to catch the nascar race today live, you need to know which network has the baton. The first 14 races belong to the FOX family. After that, Prime Video and TNT take over for five races each during the mid-season. Finally, NBC and USA Network bring the season home. Finding the nascar race today tv channel is easier when you check our live schedule below.
NASCAR Race Today: Time and Channel (Live Updates Section)
If you are searching for the nascar race TODAY: time and channel, here is the most current information for the upcoming action. The Cup Series recently finished up at Martinsville and is gearing up for a highly anticipated off-week before heading to Tennessee.
- Race Name: Food City 500
- dyktart Time (ET): 3:00 PM ET (Sunday, April 12, 2026)
- Channel: FS1
- Streaming Platform: FOX Sports App, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV
Many fans constantly ask what time is the nascar race on TODAY during race weekends. For the upcoming Bristol race, pre-race coverage usually starts an hour before the green flag. Keep this page bookmarked for your accurate nascar time and channel today.
Is There a NASCAR Race Today?t235y
If you are asking is there a nascar race today, the answer right now (mid-week in early April) is no. The Cup Series races primarily take place on Sunday afternoons, with occasional Saturday night events. However, if you are looking for auto racing today, lower series or practice sessions often run on Fridays and Saturdays. Check our comprehensive schedule section below to plan your race weekend.
NASCAR TV Schedule (2026 Season Guide)
Staying updated on the weekly lineup ensures you never miss a lap. The 2026 broadcast agreement brought massive changes, moving several races to streaming platforms.
NASCAR This Weekend
If you want to watch nascar on tv this weekend, lower-tier series usually dominate Fridays and Saturdays. The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) and the Craftsman Truck Series often race the day before the main event. For instance, if the Cup guys are taking a break, the Truck Series might be running at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday.
Always verify what channel is the nascar race on this weekend, as the CW Network now exclusively broadcasts the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The main event, the nascar race sunday, is the anchor of the weekend schedule.
NASCAR This Sunday
The Cup Series is the crown jewel of Sunday sports programming. If you are trying to figure out what channel is the nascar race on this sunday, it will likely be on FOX or FS1 during the spring.
For example, the upcoming April races at Kansas and Talladega will be broadcast on the main FOX network. Knowing what channel is the nascar race on on sunday is crucial because it frequently bounces between standard cable and premium networks.
NASCAR Tomorrow & Tonight
Night races are a fan favorite, especially under the lights at Bristol or Daytona. If you are searching what channel is the nascar race on tonight, you are usually looking for a Saturday evening race.
Similarly, if it is Saturday and you want to know what channel is the nascar race on tomorrow, refer to our broadcast table below. Most Sunday races will fall on FOX, FS1, NBC, or USA.
What Channel Is NASCAR On? (Full Broadcast Breakdown)
The 2026 NASCAR television landscape is split among four different broadcast partners. This new $7.7 billion TV deal means fans must stay vigilant about where to tune in.
FOX & FS1 (First Half of Season)
The first 14 races of the 2026 season are exclusively handled by FOX Sports. This stretch includes massive events like the Daytona 500, the Clash, and the All-Star Race.
Many fans wonder: Is NASCAR on Fox or FS1? The answer is both. FOX airs the biggest races (like Daytona and Talladega), while FS1 carries the majority of the early spring races (like Martinsville and Bristol).
NBC & USA Network (Second Half)
The final 14 races, including the high-stakes Playoffs, are the domain of NBC Sports. This stretch determines the ultimate champion of the Cup Series.
NBC airs four major races, including the season finale at Homestead-Miami, which run in tandem on the Peacock streaming app. The remaining ten races are broadcast on the USA Network.
What Channel Is NASCAR on DIRECTV and DISH?
Finding the right channel on your specific satellite provider can sometimes be a hassle. We have compiled the standard channel numbers for both major satellite TV services.
DIRECTV Channel Numbers
If you are asking what channel is the nascar race on directv, or more specifically, what channel is the nascar race on today on directv, you can use this quick reference guide:
- FOX: Varies by local market (check local listings)
- FS1: Channel 219
- NBC: Varies by local market
- USA Network: Channel 242
DISH Channel Numbers
For DISH Network subscribers, the process is just as simple. If you are wondering what channel is the nascar race on dish, or what channel is the nascar race on today on dish, here are the numbers:
- FOX: Varies by local market
- FS1: Channel 150
- NBC: Varies by local market
- USA Network: Channel 105
What Channel Are Different NASCAR Series On?
NASCAR features three national touring series, and their broadcast homes differ significantly in 2026.
NASCAR Cup Series
The premier division is the focal point of the weekend. If you are searching what channel is the nascar cup race on today, refer to the four-partner split (FOX, Prime, TNT, NBC).
Recently, while standing near the pit road at Martinsville Speedway, I caught up with a track official who mentioned how this new multi-network deal is already bringing a fresh, digital-first audience into the grandstands. It is clear that the modern streaming shift is positively changing how fans consume the sport.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Now known as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, this division has a brand new, exclusive home for 2026. Every single race for this series is broadcast entirely on The CW Network.
If you are asking what channel is the nascar xfinity race on today, just tune your television or digital antenna to your local CW affiliate.
NASCAR Truck Series
The rugged, hard-charging NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series remains firmly planted with its long-time broadcast partner. FOX Sports retains the exclusive rights to the entire Truck Series schedule.
Whenever you need to know what channel is the nascar truck race on today, you can confidently turn to FS1 or FS2 for the live action.
Where Can I Watch NASCAR Races? (Streaming Guide)
The cord-cutting revolution has fully reached the world of motorsports. If you are wondering where can I watch nascar races online, there are plenty of robust options.
Paid Streaming Options
Depending on the network broadcasting the race, you will need the corresponding app. The FOX Sports App and NBC Sports App offer live streams if you log in with a valid TV provider.
Additionally, live TV streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV Stream carry FS1, USA Network, and local FOX/NBC channels. For mid-season races, you will need standalone subscriptions to Amazon Prime Video and Max (formerly HBO Max).
How to Watch NASCAR for Free
If you are tight on a budget and asking how can I watch the nascar race today for free, your best bet is an over-the-air digital HD antenna. This will pick up your local FOX, NBC, and CW stations for free.
Alternatively, you can utilize free trials from services like YouTube TV or Amazon Prime (30-day trial) to catch specific stretches of the racing calendar without paying upfront.
NASCAR Race Today Live (How to Watch in Real Time)
Beyond traditional television, fans have several ways to track the action live. The official NASCAR Mobile App offers premium features like live in-car cameras and active driver telemetry.
For audio coverage, the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Performance Racing Network (PRN) broadcast races live on local radio affiliates nationwide. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90) also provides uninterrupted, real-time audio coverage of every single event.
Special Events & FAQs
With the new 2026 television contract, there are a few unique broadcast situations that fans need to understand.
Coke 600 Prime Video Broadcast
A common question this year is: Is the Coke 600 Only on Prime? Yes, Amazon Prime Video kicks off its five-race portion of the schedule with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte on May 24.
You will need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch this crown jewel event, marking a historic shift in how NASCAR’s longest race is broadcast to the public.
NASCAR Mexico Series Viewing
If you are interested in international action, the NASCAR Mexico Series is occasionally featured on standard cable. Information on international streaming can generally be found on FloRacing or the official NASCAR YouTube channel, depending on your region.
NASCAR 2026 Schedule Overview
A quick look at the calendar helps you plan your weekends. The nascar 2026 tv schedule is packed with returning classics and a few new twists.
Here is a brief nascar schedule overview for the upcoming spring races:
| Date | Race Name | Track | Network | Time (ET) |
| April 12 | Food City 500 | Bristol Motor Speedway | FS1 | 3:00 PM |
| April 19 | AdventHealth 400 | Kansas Speedway | FOX | 2:00 PM |
| April 26 | Jack Link’s 500 | Talladega Superspeedway | FOX | 3:00 PM |
| May 3 | Würth 400 | Texas Motor Speedway | FS1 | 3:30 PM |
NASCAR Cup Series 2026 Standings
Keeping an eye on the nascar cup series 2026 standings adds context to every race. Early in the season, drivers are desperate to secure a win and lock themselves into the Playoffs.
Drivers like Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott have shown incredible speed in the early spring events. You can track the full weekly point updates on the official NASCAR website’s standings page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is the NASCAR race on today?
The channel changes depending on the week. For the first 14 races of 2026, it is on FOX or FS1. Mid-season races are on Prime Video or TNT, and the final 14 races are on NBC or USA Network.
What time and channel is the NASCAR race on today?
Most Sunday Cup Series races begin between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM ET. Check your local listings for FOX, FS1, NBC, or USA depending on the current portion of the schedule.
Is there a NASCAR race today?
Unless it is a Sunday afternoon or a scheduled Saturday night event, there is likely no Cup Series race today. Lower series generally run on Fridays and Saturdays.
What channel is NASCAR on DIRECTV?
On DIRECTV, FS1 is located on channel 219, and the USA Network is on channel 242. Local FOX and NBC channels vary based on your specific geographic market.
Where can I watch NASCAR races?
You can watch them on traditional cable (FOX, FS1, TNT, USA), over-the-air antennas (FOX, NBC, CW), streaming apps (Prime Video, Peacock, Max), or live TV streaming services like YouTube TV.
The Final Lap: Wrapping Up Your NASCAR Viewing Guide
Finding exactly what channel is the nascar race on today does not have to be a frustrating pit stop. The 2026 season brings an exciting mix of traditional television broadcasts on FOX, FS1, NBC, and USA Network, alongside new exclusive streaming stretches on Prime Video and TNT/Max.
By keeping our weekly TV schedule and streaming guide handy, you will never miss a moment of the thrilling bumper-to-bumper action. Whether you are tracking the high-stakes Cup Series playoff battle or watching the aggressive future stars in the CW’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, you are now fully prepared for race day.
Are you ready to dive even deeper into the high-speed world of stock car racing? Read our related NASCAR content to explore deeper racing insights before the green flag drops. You can compare driver rivalries, analyze different track layouts, and break down the complex pit strategies that ultimately win championships. Grab your favorite race day snacks, fire up your television or streaming app, and enjoy the phenomenal speed.
