What Time Is the NASCAR Race Today? 2025 Schedule & TV Info

By Sarah Miller · July 7, 2046

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is now known as the NASCAR Cup Series, and today's race start time varies based on the track, network broadcast schedule, and location. As of October 2025, most races begin between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET), with some night races starting as late as 7:30 PM ET. For the exact start time of today’s race, check the official NASCAR website or your local TV provider for real-time updates.

Understanding the NASCAR Cup Series Race Schedule

The former Sprint Cup Series was rebranded in 2017 as the NASCAR Cup Series under a new sponsorship model. Despite the name change, fans often still refer to it as the “Sprint Cup.” Today, the series features 36 points-paying races per season, including the prestigious Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Southern 500.

Key Factors That Influence Race Start Times

Track Location: Races in the Pacific Time Zone may start later in the day to accommodate viewership.
Broadcast Network: FOX, NBC, and their affiliated networks determine air times for national coverage.
Race Length: While most races are scheduled for ~3 hours, weather delays or overtime finishes can shift timing.
Event Weekend Format: Qualifying and support races affect the main event’s placement on the calendar.

Today's NASCAR Cup Series Race Information

If you're searching for “what time is the NASCAR Sprint Cup race today,” you're likely looking for live event details. Since there isn't a race every single day, confirming whether a race is actually scheduled for today is essential.

How to Confirm Today's Race Time

Visit NASCAR.com/schedule for the official calendar.
Check broadcast partners: FOX Sports, NBC Sports, or streaming via NBC Sports app or Fox Sports Go.
Follow @NASCAR on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time alerts.
Use TV listings from providers like DirecTV, Comcast, or YouTube TV.

Date	Event Name	Track	Start Time (ET)	TV Network	2025 Season Stage
February 16, 2025	Daytona 500	Daytona Int'l Speedway	3:30 PM	FOX	Regular Season
May 25, 2025	Coca-Cola 600	Charlotte Motor Speedway	6:00 PM	FS1	Regular Season
July 6, 2025	Quaker State 400	Kentucky Speedway	7:30 PM	NBC	Regular Season
September 28, 2025	Bank of America Roval 400	Charlotte Roval	2:00 PM	NBC	Playoffs - Round of 12
November 2, 2025	Season Finale 500	Phoenix Raceway	3:00 PM	NBC	Championship Race

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table above shows key 2025 NASCAR Cup Series events with confirmed dates and start times. Most afternoon races begin at 2:00 or 3:00 PM ET, while evening races like the Coca-Cola 600 and Kentucky event start after 6:00 PM to enhance fan experience and TV ratings. The championship finale at Phoenix is traditionally held in early November and aired live on NBC.

Tips for Watching Today's NASCAR Race Live

Whether you're tuning in from home or attending in person, knowing how to access the race stream or broadcast is crucial.

Viewing Options by Platform

Television: FOX covers early-season races; NBC handles mid-to-late season including playoffs.
Streaming: Use NBC Sports App (with cable login) or Fox Sports Go for live HD coverage.
Live Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio provide play-by-play.
In-Person: Arrive at the track by 10:00 AM for pre-race activities and driver intros.

Frequently Asked Questions About Today's NASCAR Sprint Cup Race

What time does the NASCAR Cup Series race start today?

Race start times vary, but most begin between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Night races, such as the Coca-Cola 600, start at 6:00 PM or later. Always verify the current schedule on NASCAR.com.

Is there a NASCAR race today?

To confirm if a NASCAR Cup Series race is happening today, visit the official 2025 schedule at NASCAR.com. Races typically occur weekly on weekends, with breaks between playoff rounds.

Why did the Sprint Cup Series change its name?

The Sprint Cup Series became the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2017 after Sprint exited sponsorship. Since 2020, it has been titled the NASCAR Cup Series under a charter-based model without a title sponsor.

Which channel broadcasts today’s NASCAR race?

FOX airs races from February to June; NBC covers July through the November finale. Check your local listings or the NASCAR TV schedule to confirm which network is broadcasting today’s event.

How long does a typical NASCAR Cup Series race last?

Most races last 3 to 4 hours depending on caution flags, weather, and overtime finishes. The average race consists of about 500 miles completed over 3–4 hours of elapsed time.