Is There a NASCAR Race Today? How to Watch the Cook Out Southern 500, TV Channel, Start Time & Streaming Info | Just Jared

NASCAR fans tuning in this weekend may be wondering whether there’s a Cup Series race on today.

Is there a NASCAR race today? Yes!

The NASCAR Cup Series returns on Sunday (September 6) for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina.

The race is a big one: The Southern 500 marks the opening race of The Chase, as 16 drivers begin their battle for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about today’s NASCAR race, including the start time, TV channel and how to stream it online.

Keep reading to find out how to watch today’s NASCAR race…

What Time Is the NASCAR Race Today?

The Cook Out Southern 500 is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 6 at Darlington Raceway.

Pre-race coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

The race is scheduled for 367 laps around the 1.366-mile Darlington Raceway, with stage breaks after Laps 115 and 230.

What Channel Is the NASCAR Race on Today?

Today’s NASCAR Cup Series race will air live on USA Network beginning at 5 p.m. ET.

The network is carrying the Cook Out Southern 500 as part of its NASCAR Cup Series coverage.

How Can I Stream the NASCAR Race Today?

If you don’t have cable, there are several ways to stream today’s NASCAR race online.

The Cook Out Southern 500 will be available to stream on HBO Max, according to NASCAR.

USA Network is also available through live TV streaming services including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV‘s Blue package and DirecTV. Viewers with a participating TV provider can also authenticate through NBC’s digital platforms to watch the USA Network broadcast.

Depending on the service, new subscribers may also be eligible for a free trial or promotional offer. Be sure to check the current terms before signing up.

Who Is Starting on the Pole at Darlington?

Tyler Reddick will start from the pole position in today’s Cook Out Southern 500.

NASCAR was forced to cancel Cup Series practice and qualifying at Darlington on Saturday (September 5) due to weather, so the starting lineup was determined according to the NASCAR Rule Book.

The Southern 500 also marks the first race of the 2026 Chase, with the championship contenders beginning the final 10-race stretch of the season at Darlington.

Chase Briscoe enters today’s race as the defending two-time Southern 500 winner.

When Is the Next NASCAR Race?

After Darlington, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, for the Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sunday, September 13.

That race is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET and will also air on USA Network.

What Is the Upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Schedule?

All times are Eastern.

• Sept. 6: Cook Out Southern 500, Darlington Raceway — 5 p.m., USA Network
• Sept. 13: Enjoy Illinois 300, World Wide Technology Raceway — 3 p.m., USA Network
• Sept. 19: Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Bristol Motor Speedway — 7:30 p.m., USA Network
• Sept. 27: Hollywood Casino 400, Kansas Speedway — 3 p.m., USA Network
• Oct. 4: South Point 400, Las Vegas Motor Speedway — 5:30 p.m., USA Network
• Oct. 11: Bank of America 400, Charlotte Motor Speedway — 3 p.m., USA Network
• Oct. 18: Freeway Insurance 500, Phoenix Raceway — 3 p.m., USA Network
• Oct. 25: YellaWood 500, Talladega Superspeedway — 2 p.m., NBC
• Nov. 1: Xfinity 500, Martinsville Speedway — 2 p.m., NBC
• Nov. 8: NASCAR Cup Series Championship, Homestead-Miami Speedway — 3 p.m., NBC

Get the latest NASCAR updates right here.

Posted To:Chase Briscoe NASCAR Sports Television Tyler Reddick