What time does NASCAR start today? TV schedule, channel, live stream to watch 2026 Darlington playoff race

What time does NASCAR start today? TV schedule, channel, live stream to watch 2026 Darlington playoff race originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Now that the NASCAR regular season is officially over, it’s time to head into a thrilling playoff Chase. Drivers will not get much time to ease into competition, as the Cook Out Southern 500 gets things started on Sunday.

With the playoff circuit heading to Darlington, things should get interesting. The South Carolina oval is also known as “The Track Too Tough to Tame”, and the Cook Out Southern features a grueling 501-mile stretch that has been humbling drivers for more than 70 years. 

This weekend’s race serves as the first of 10 postseason competitions that will culminate in a 2026 Cup Series champion. Only 16 drivers qualified for the Chase, with Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick leading points, and Ryan Preece just squeaking in after winning last weekend’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.

Who can make an impression as the NASCAR postseason gets started?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Cook Out Southern 500, including TV channel and streaming options for the NASCAR playoff race.

What time is the NASCAR race today?

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 6
• Time: 5 p.m. ET 

The 2026 Cook Out Southern 500 will get started at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 6. The race will take place at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.

What channel is NASCAR on today?

• TV channel: USA Network
• Live stream: DIRECTV

The 2026 Cook Out Southern 500 will be broadcast exclusively on USA Network. Cord-cutters can also stream the action live on DIRECTV.

Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

NASCAR Southern 500 starting lineup grid 

* indicates driver in Chase

Pos.DriverCar1Tyler Reddick452Daniel Suarez73Ryan Preece604Denny Hamlin115Michael McDowell716Austin Cindric27Chase Briscoe198Ricky Stenhouse Jr.479Austin Dillon310Alex Bowman4811Christopher Bell2012Brad Keselowski613Joey Logano2214Josh Berry2115Riley Herbst3516Cole Custer4117Bubba Wallace2318Chase Elliott919John Hunter Nemechek4220William Byron2421Todd Gilliland3422Corey Heim6723Ross Chastain124Ryan Blaney1225Kyle Larson526Shane van Gisbergen9727Ty Dillon1028Ty Gibbs5429Noah Gragson430AJ Allmendinger1631Connor Zilisch 8832Austin Hill3333Zane Smith3834Carson Hocevar7735Chris Buescher1736Erik Jones4337Cody Ware5138Chad Finchum66

NASCAR Cup Series playoff race schedule 2026

(All times Eastern)

DateRaceTrackTimeWatch/WinnerSept. 6Southern 500Darlington Raceway5 p.m.USA, DIRECTVSept. 13Enjoy Illinois 300World Wide Technology Raceway3 p.m.USA, DIRECTVSept. 19Bass Pro Shops Night RaceBristol Motor Speedway7:30 p.m.USA, DIRECTVSept. 27Hollywood Casino 400Kansas Speedway3 p.m.USA, DIRECTVOct. 4South Point 400Las Vegas Motor Speedway5:30 p.m.USA, DIRECTVOct. 11Bank of America 400Charlotte Motor Speedway3 p.m.USA, DIRECTVOct. 18Freeway Insurance 500Phoenix Raceway3 p.m.USA, DIRECTVOct. 25Yellawood 500Talladega Superspeedway2 p.m.NBC, fubo, DIRECTVNov. 1Xfinity 500Martinsville Speedway2 p.m.NBC, fubo, DIRECTVNov. 8Cup Series Championship RaceHomestead-Miami Speedway3 p.m.NBC, fubo, DIRECTV

Related Links