2026 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Schedule: Full Chase Schedule, Race Times, Dates, TV Network, Winners results
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series playoff schedule features 10 Chase races beginning September 6 at Darlington Raceway and ending November 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
In 2026, NASCAR returned to a Chase-style format. The top 16 drivers in regular-season points advance to the postseason. All 16 drivers remain in championship contention throughout the 10-race Chase.
Points are reset at the beginning of the postseason. The driver with the most points after the championship race is crowned the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
When Do the 2026 NASCAR Playoffs Start?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase begins Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Darlington Raceway.
The second race is scheduled for September 13 at World Wide Technology Raceway, followed by Bristol on September 19. The Chase continues through Kansas, Las Vegas, the Charlotte Roval, Phoenix, Talladega and Martinsville before the championship race at Homestead-Miami on November 8.
Full 2026 Chase Schedule with TV Details
All times are Eastern.
When is the Cookout Southern 500?
Date: September 6, 2026
Darlington Raceway
Race time: 5:00 p.m. ET
TV: USA Network
Streaming: DIRECTV and participating live TV services
When is the Enjoy Illinois 300?
Date: September 13, 2026
World Wide Technology Raceway
Race time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: USA Network
Streaming: DIRECTV and participating live TV services
When is the Bass Pro Shops Night Race?
Date: September 19, 2026
Bristol Motor Speedway
Race time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: USA Network
Streaming: DIRECTV and participating live TV services
When is the Hollywood Casino 400?
Date: September 27, 2026
Kansas Speedway
Race time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: USA Network
Streaming: DIRECTV and participating live TV services
When is the South Point 400?
Date: October 4, 2026
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Race time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV: USA Network
Streaming: DIRECTV and participating live TV services
When is the Bank of America Roval 400?
Date: October 11, 2026
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Race time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: USA Network
Streaming: DIRECTV and participating live TV services
When is the Freeway Insurance 500?
Date: October 18, 2026
Phoenix Raceway
Race time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: USA Network
Streaming: DIRECTV and participating live TV services
When is the Yellawood 500?
October 25, 2026
Talladega Superspeedway
Race time: 2:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, fubo and DIRECTV
When is the Xfinity 500?
Date: November 1, 2026
Martinsville Speedway
Race time: 2:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, fubo and DIRECTV
When is the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race?
Date: November 8, 2026
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Race time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, fubo and DIRECTV
Additional Viewing Information
The first seven Chase races will air on USA Network.
The final three playoff races at Talladega, Martinsville and Homestead-Miami will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.
Radio coverage will be available through PRN or MRN, depending on the track, along with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Practice and qualifying sessions for many races will air on truTV and stream on Max.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series TV Networks
Overall TV partners: Fox, FS1, TNT, NBC and USA Network
Primary streaming options: Prime Video, Peacock, fubo, DIRECTV and Max.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Chase Format Explained
NASCAR made a major change to its championship format for 2026 by bringing back the Chase. The change ended the elimination-style postseason format that had been used for the Cup Series since 2014.
The new championship procedure emphasizes:
Full-season consistency
Race victories
A 10-race postseason
A season-long championship points battle
The final NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway
NASCAR announced the return to the Chase in January 2026, describing the new system as a modified version of the sport’s historic postseason format.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs FAQ
When do the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs start?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase starts September 6, 2026, at Darlington Raceway.
How many races are in the 2026 NASCAR playoffs?
There are 10 races in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase.
What channel are the 2026 NASCAR playoff races on?
The 2026 Cup Series playoff races are scheduled to air on USA Network/NBC.
When is the 2026 NASCAR championship race?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship race is scheduled for November 8, 2026, at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Is NASCAR using the elimination playoff format in 2026?
No. NASCAR returned to a Chase championship format for 2026 rather than the elimination-style playoff system used since 2014.
Where can I find the latest 2026 NASCAR playoff results?
The official NASCAR Cup Series schedule and results page provides the latest race results, winners and race information.
