The final stretch of the NASCAR season is here, and it’s more intense than ever! With just three races left, every lap counts, and you won’t want to miss a single moment. But here’s where it gets tricky: this year’s media rights deal has shaken things up, making it a bit more complicated to catch all the action. Let’s break it down so you can stay in the driver’s seat.
This season marked NASCAR’s new broadcasting era, bringing both wins and challenges. On the plus side, non-cable viewers gained access to the NASCAR Xfinity Series on The CW, a big win for cord-cutters. However, the flip side? Several NASCAR Cup Series races were pulled from free, over-the-air TV, leaving some fans scrambling to find alternatives. These races were scattered across FS1, TNT, and USA throughout the year, but the final three races are a game-changer.
And this is the part most people miss: starting this weekend at Talladega, NBC is taking the wheel for flag-to-flag coverage of the last three NASCAR Cup Series races. This marks NBC’s return to NASCAR broadcasting since August 23. Even better, NBCUniversal is making it easier for fans on the move by offering free access to these races via the Peacock App. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you’re covered.
Here’s the full breakdown of the NASCAR Cup Series TV Schedule from October 19 to November 2:
October 19 – YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway
- Qualifying Coverage: HBO Max and TruTV
- Race: Live at 2 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
- In-Car Cameras: HBO Max
October 26 – Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway
- Practice and Qualifying: HBO Max and TruTV
- Race: Live at 2 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
- In-Car Cameras: HBO Max
November 2 – NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway
- Practice and Qualifying: HBO Max and TruTV
- Race: Live at 2 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
- In-Car Cameras: HBO Max
The NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule remains consistent, with all three races airing live on The CW. Here’s the lineup:
October 18 – United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway
- Qualifying Coverage: The CW App
- Race: Live at 2 PM ET on The CW
- In-Car Cameras: The CW App
October 25 – NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Race at Martinsville Speedway
- Practice and Qualifying: The CW App
- Race: Live at 2 PM ET on The CW
- In-Car Cameras: The CW App
November 1 – NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway
- Practice and Qualifying: The CW App
- Race: Live at 2 PM ET on The CW
- In-Car Cameras: The CW App
But wait, there’s more! The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is also switching things up this fall, moving its Talladega race to the main FOX network this weekend. Here’s the schedule:
October 17 – Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway
- Qualifying Coverage: FS2
- Race: Live at 4 PM ET on FOX
October 24 – Slim Jim 200 at Martinsville Speedway
- Practice and Qualifying: FS2
- Race: Live at 6 PM ET on FS1
October 31 – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway
- Practice and Qualifying: FS2
- Race: Live at 7:30 PM ET on FS1
If you can’t catch the races on TV, don’t worry! You can listen live via MRN.com, the NASCAR App, or with a SiriusXM Subscription. But here’s the controversial question: With so many platforms and schedules to juggle, is NASCAR making it harder or easier for fans to follow the action? Let us know what you think! Share your thoughts on Discord [https://discord.gg/ZqPDR7nDm3] or X [https://x.com/dailydownforce]. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dailydownforce/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thedailydownforce], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPJI9j_lzeXNnxfSFNSZiHA] for more updates. Let’s keep the conversation racing!
