USA Insider Exclusive

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!

Sign Up For Free to View
USA Insider NASCAR

Where to Watch the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

The chase for the Cup revs into gear September 8.  

By Andrew Woodin
A bunch of cars driving during the NASCAR Cup Series

The marathon NASCAR Cup Series season is entering its most pivotal phase: the playoffs, which will determine who'll be hoisting the Bill France Cup come November 10. For some, it may seem like an eternity ago that Denny Hamlin won the Clash at the Coliseum to kick off the 2024 campaign back in February. For others, the more than 30 races that have taken place since then have gone by in the blink of an eye. 

Regardless, there's plenty more road in the rear view than stretches out in front of us, raising the stakes for each of the 16 qualified playoff drivers with their sights set on racing glory. Here's what to know about the playoff schedule, including how to watch your favorite wheelman battle to be the last one standing. 

RELATED: Everything to Know about NASCAR Star Tyler Reddick, Wife Alexa DeLeon

Chase Briscoe standing on top of his car celebrating after the race

When do the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Start?

The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs will officially get underway on Sunday, September 8, with the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. 

What’s the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Schedule?

Comprised of three rounds, each with three races (except for the championship race at Phoenix Raceway), the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs extend until November 10  when the victor is finally crowned in Arizona.

ROUND OF 16:

Sunday, September 8, 3 p.m. ET – Quaker State 400 available at Walmart, Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m. ET – Go Bowling at The Glen, Watkins Glen International
Saturday, September 21, 7:30 p.m. ET – Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Bristol Motor Speedway

ROUND OF 12:

Sunday, September 29, 3 p.m. ET – Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet, Kansas Speedway
Sunday, October 6, 2 p.m. ET – YellaWood 500, Talladega Superspeedway
Sunday, October 13, 2 p.m. ET – Bank of America ROVAL 400, Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course

ROUND OF 8:

Sunday, October 20, 2:30 p.m. ET – South Point 400, Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sunday October 27, 2:30 p.m. ET – Straight Talk Wireless 400, Homestead-Miami Speedway
Sunday, November 3, 2 p.m. ET – Xfinity 500, Martinsville Speedway

CHAMPIONSHIP 4:

Sunday, November 10, 3 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series Championship, Phoenix Raceway

Tyler Reddick races with Chris Buescher into turn 2 during the running of the 75th Cook Out Southern 500

Where to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

For those who live for a life in the fast lane, each event in the 10-race NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs will be broadcast live on either USA Network or NBC: the first four will be on USA Network and the remaining six races, including the Cup Series Championship will be on NBC.  

ROUND OF 16:

Quaker State 400 available at Walmart: USA Network​​​
Go Bowling at The Glen: USA Network​​
Bass Pro Shops Night Race: USA Network

ROUND OF 12:

Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet: USA Network
YellaWood 500: NBC
Bank of America ROVAL 400: NBC

ROUND OF 8:

South Point 400: NBC
Straight Talk Wireless 400: NBC
Xfinity 500: NBC

CHAMPIONSHIP 4:

NASCAR Cup Series Championship: NBC

Kyle Larson speaking to a crew member during the Nascar Cup Series

Who’s Qualified for the Playoffs?

Headlined by a cast of familiar faces, including six former Cup Series champs, the 16-driver playoff field is set:

  • Kyle Larson, #5 Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • Christopher Bell, #20 Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
  • Tyler Reddick, #45 23XI Racing, Toyota
  • William Byron, #24 Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • Ryan Blaney, #12 Team Penske, Ford
  • Denny Hamlin, #11 Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
  • Chase Elliott, #9 Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • Brad Keselowski, #6 RFK Racing, Ford
  • Joey Logano, #22 Team Penske, Ford
  • Austin Cindric, #2 Team Penske, Ford
  • Daniel Suárez, #99 Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet
  • Alex Bowman, #48 Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • Chase Briscoe, #14 Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford
  • Harrison Burton, #21 Wood Brothers Racing, Ford
  • Ty Gibbs, #54 Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
  • Martin Truex Jr., #19 Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
Read more about: