The 2026 NASCAR TV Schedule: Every Network, Every Race at a Glance
The 2026 nascar tv schedule is more spread out across networks than ever before — here’s the fast answer:
| Period | Network | Races |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 – May 3 | FOX / FS1 | 10 Cup races |
| May 24 – Jun 21 | Amazon Prime Video | 6 Cup races |
| Jun 28 – Jul 26 | TNT / HBO Max | 6 Cup races |
| Sept 6 – Nov 8 | USA Network / NBC | 12 Cup races (playoffs) |
| Full season | The CW | 33 Xfinity races |
| Full season | FS1 / FOX | 27 Truck Series races |
A few quick highlights:
- Daytona 500: February 15, 1:30 PM ET on FOX
- Season finale: November 8 at Homestead-Miami on NBC
- New in 2026: Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports carry live NASCAR Cup races for the first time ever
This is the second year of NASCAR’s current TV rights deal, and it’s the first where streaming platforms take center stage mid-season. Whether you’re a cable subscriber or a cord-cutter, you’ll need to know exactly which app or channel to open each race day.
I’m Faisal S. Chughtai, a digital media specialist and founder of ActiveX with deep experience tracking sports broadcast rights and helping fans navigate the evolving media landscape — including everything that shapes the 2026 nascar tv schedule. Let’s break it all down so you never miss a green flag.
2026 nascar tv schedule terminology:
The 2026 NASCAR TV Schedule: Full Broadcast Breakdown
Navigating the 2026 nascar tv schedule requires a bit of a roadmap because the season is split among four distinct broadcast partners. For the first time in history, we are seeing a “relay race” of coverage that moves from traditional broadcast television to exclusive streaming services and back again.
The season kicks off with FOX Sports, which handles the first 10 points-paying races of the Cup Series. This includes the high-octane start at Daytona and carries through the spring. Once May hits, the baton is passed to Amazon Prime Video for a six-race summer stretch. Following that, TNT Sports (streaming on Max) takes over for another six races. Finally, NBC Sports and USA Network bring us home, covering the final 12 races, including the high-stakes playoffs.
To help you keep track, we’ve put together this comparison of the broadcast windows:
| Partner | Coverage Window | Primary Channels | Race Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOX Sports | Feb 1 – May 17 | FOX, FS1 | 14 (inc. exhibitions) |
| Amazon Prime | May 24 – Jun 21 | Prime Video | 6 |
| TNT Sports | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | TNT, Max | 6 |
| NBC Sports | Aug 9 – Nov 8 | NBC, USA Network | 14 (inc. playoffs) |
If you are on the go, you can still catch the early season action by using the Get FOX Sports App to stream races live on your mobile devices.
2026 NASCAR TV Schedule for the Daytona 500 and Early Season
The “Great American Race” remains the crown jewel of the 2026 nascar tv schedule. The Daytona 500 is officially scheduled for Sunday, February 15, at 1:30 PM ET on FOX. While the race was originally slated for a later start, we’ve seen updates moving the green flag up to ensure we beat any potential Florida afternoon showers. If you’re planning a trip to the World Center of Racing, be sure to check out our Daytona 500 stadium location 101 guide.
However, the engines start revving even earlier. The unofficial start to the season is the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 4. This preseason exhibition has moved to the historic “Madhouse” in Winston-Salem, bringing a short-track intensity we haven’t seen in years. Following the Clash, the series heads to Daytona for the Duels on February 12, which set the final starting grid for Sunday.
Other key early-season stops include:
- Atlanta (EchoPark Speedway): February 22 on FOX.
- COTA (Austin): March 1 on FOX.
- Phoenix Raceway: March 8 on FOX.
- Las Vegas Motor Speedway: March 15 on FOX.
For those looking for up-to-the-minute details on race day, we recommend checking The complete guide to todays nascar race for weather updates and pit strategy insights.
Mid-Season Shifts and the 2026 NASCAR TV Schedule
The most significant change for fans in 2026 occurs on Memorial Day weekend. The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24 marks the debut of Amazon Prime Video as a live race broadcaster. This is a historic shift, as one of the “Crown Jewel” races moves exclusively to a streaming platform.
Amazon will carry five additional races following Charlotte, including trips to Nashville, Michigan, and the brand-new street course at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21. This San Diego race is a major addition to the schedule, replacing some older venues to bring NASCAR to a massive Southern California audience in a unique military setting.
On June 28, the coverage shifts again to TNT Sports and HBO Max. This block starts with the road course challenge at Sonoma Raceway and includes the return of Chicagoland Speedway on July 5. Fans will also want to keep an eye on the return to North Wilkesboro Speedway for a points race on July 19, aired on TNT. To keep track of who is behind the wheel during these mid-season transitions, refer to our list of Nascar driver numbers and racer names for the 2026 season.
Streaming and New Media Partners for 2026
The 2026 nascar tv schedule reflects a digital-first era. While traditional cable still plays a role, the inclusion of Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (via Max) means fans need to be tech-savvy.
For the TNT portion of the schedule, fans can expect enhanced digital features. This includes exclusive in-car cameras available on the Max app, allowing you to ride along with your favorite driver for the entire race. Additionally, NASCAR has launched 24/7 streaming channels on platforms like Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Tubi, and Xumo. These channels offer classic races, highlights, and original programming around the clock.
For the NBC portion of the season, Peacock remains a vital tool. While many races air on USA Network, select events will be available to Watch on Peacock, and the app often provides additional practice and qualifying coverage that you won’t find on linear TV. If you’re interested in the ladder series that lead up to the Cup, you can also learn how to watch the arca menards series in 2026.
How Streaming Impacts the 2026 NASCAR TV Schedule
The move to streaming isn’t just about where you watch; it’s about how you watch. With Amazon Prime Video and Max, the broadcast isn’t limited by the “linear” constraints of a TV channel. We expect to see more interactive data overlays and the ability to choose between different audio feeds (like radio-style commentary versus the standard TV booth).
This shift also means that a digital subscription is now a requirement to see the full 36-race Cup Series season. Fans can no longer rely solely on an antenna or a basic cable package. However, the benefit is the ability to watch on virtually any device — from your smartphone at the track to your smart TV in the living room.
As the sport evolves, the cars do too. If you want to see the latest technology hitting the track during these streamed races, don’t miss our deep dive: Dark horse rising everything we know about the 2026 ford mustang nascar debut.
Playoff Schedule and Championship Coverage
When the “regular season” ends at Daytona on August 29, the intensity ramps up for the 10-race playoff stretch. The 2026 nascar tv schedule for the post-season is dominated by NBC Sports and USA Network.
The playoffs kick off on September 6 at the “Lady in Black,” Darlington Raceway, airing on USA Network. This begins a grueling elimination process where the field is whittled down every three races.
Here is the breakdown of the playoff rounds and their primary networks:
- Round of 16: Darlington, St. Louis (WWTR), and Bristol (Night Race). Coverage is primarily on USA Network.
- Round of 12: Kansas, Las Vegas, and the Charlotte Roval. Fans can expect a mix of USA and NBC.
- Round of 8: Phoenix, Talladega, and Martinsville. These high-stakes races often shift to NBC for maximum viewership.
- Championship 4: The season concludes on November 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The championship race will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 PM ET.
The move of the championship race to Homestead-Miami is a “back to the future” moment for NASCAR, returning the finale to the South Florida intermediate track that hosted it for years before the move to Phoenix.
Post-Season Networks and the 2026 NASCAR TV Schedule
The playoff coverage on NBC Sports is known for its “Through the Field” segments and deep technical analysis. Because the playoffs feature elimination rounds, the broadcast focus shifts heavily toward the drivers eligible for the championship.
| Playoff Race | Date | Track | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 Opener | Sept 6 | Darlington | USA Network |
| Round of 12 Opener | Sept 27 | Kansas | USA Network |
| Round of 8 Opener | Oct 18 | Phoenix | USA Network |
| Championship Race | Nov 8 | Homestead-Miami | NBC |
It is important to note that all NBC and USA Network races are typically available for streaming via the NBC Sports App for those with authenticated cable logins.
Xfinity and Truck Series Broadcast Details
While the Cup Series is split, the NASCAR Xfinity Series (now known as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) has a much simpler TV home in 2026. The CW is the exclusive home for all 33 Xfinity races. This is a massive win for fans, as The CW is a free, over-the-air broadcast network available in most American households. You can Find your station to ensure you’re ready for the season opener at Daytona on February 14.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series continues its long-standing partnership with FOX Sports. Most of the 27-race schedule will air on FS1, with select high-profile events (like the Streets of St. Petersburg on February 28) jumping to the main FOX broadcast channel.
The three series often share venues, creating “Tripleheader” weekends:
- Daytona: All three series open their season here in mid-February.
- Bristol: Shared weekends in April and September.
- Martinsville: Shared weekends in late March and November.
Shared venues mean fans can often see all three levels of NASCAR in a single weekend, with the Trucks typically racing Friday night, Xfinity on Saturday afternoon, and the Cup Series on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 NASCAR Season
What channel is the 2026 Daytona 500 on?
The 68th annual Daytona 500 will air on FOX. The green flag is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 1:30 PM ET. You can also stream the race via the FOX Sports App.
Which races are exclusive to Amazon Prime Video in 2026?
Amazon Prime Video will exclusively broadcast a six-race mid-season block starting with the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. Other exclusive races include Nashville (May 31), Michigan (June 7), Pocono (June 14), and the San Diego Street Race (June 21).
Where can I watch the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series?
The Xfinity Series (O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) is exclusive to The CW for the entire 2026 season. The Craftsman Truck Series is primarily on FS1, with select races on FOX.
Conclusion
The 2026 nascar tv schedule represents a bold new chapter for the sport. With the entry of Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports, fans have more ways to watch than ever, but it also requires more planning to ensure you have the right subscription at the right time. From the historic short tracks like Bowman Gray to the glitz of the San Diego street course, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year.
At Apex Observer News, we are committed to providing you with real-time updates, schedule changes, and race results as they happen. Whether a race is delayed by rain or moved to a different network, we’ve got you covered. For more deep dives into your favorite teams and drivers, check out More sports news and updates on our main site.
