The stakes are higher during this part of the NASCAR season. Drivers grip the wheel a bit tighter; crew chiefs are little more demanding and the fans are just a bit rowdier.
Can you blame them? They’re in the Cup Series playoffs now. We’re only 10 races away from crowning a champion. It’s all about who has more in the tank.
This year’s 16-driver playoff field is an eclectic bunch. There are wily veterans like Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, all of whom have won Cup Series championships in their storied careers.
There are the fresh-faced youngsters like Tyler Reddick, William Byron and Christopher Bell, some of the most exciting talent in the series in some time.
And then there are the past two champions in Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, who lead an in-between group that also includes Ryan Blaney. Those racers are well on their way to establishing great careers, but they could cement their status with strong showings this year.
The first stop in the Cup Series playoffs is Darlington Raceway for Sunday’s Southern 500. The race results could go a long way in shaping the final standings.
We’ll see who has what it takes to get it done on the iconic egg-shaped oval.
MORE: Watch NASCAR Cup Series races live with fuboTV (free trial)
Here’s everything you need to know about the Southern 500, including start time and broadcast information.
What time does the NASCAR race start?
- Race: Southern 500
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 4
- Start time: 6 p.m. ET
The Southern 500 is listed to start at 6 p.m. ET, but the green flag is scheduled to be waved at 6:19 p.m. ET.
What channel is NASCAR on today?
- TV channel: USA (U.S.) | TSN5 (Canada)
- Live stream: Peacock, fuboTV
- Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Sunday’s race will be broadcast on USA Network in the U.S.
Rick Allen will be on the call for the lap-by-lap action. He’ll be joined in the booth by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., former driver Jeff Burton and former crew chief Steve Letarte during Stages 1 and 3.
MORE: Who are the 16 drivers who will compete for the NASCAR Cup in 2022?
There is a special wrinkle to USA’s coverage of the event. In Stage 2 of the Southern 500, two new analysts will enter the booth and work alongside Earnhardt: Kyle Petty and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett.
Canadian viewers can follow all the action from Darlington on TSN5.’
Cord-cutters can find Sunday’s race on Peacock or fuboTV, which offers a free trial.
NASCAR schedule 2022: Playoff races
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Race | Track | Time (ET) | TV channel | Radio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 4 | Southern 500 | Darlington Raceway | 6 p.m. | USA | MRN |
| Sept. 11 | Hollywood Casino 400 | Kansas Speedway | 3 p.m. | USA | MRN |
| Sept. 17 | Bass Pro Shops Night Race | Bristol Motor Speedway | 7:30 p.m. | USA | PRN |
| Sept. 25 | AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 500 | Texas Motor Speedway | 3:30 p.m. | USA | PRN |
| Oct. 2 | YellaWood 500 | Talladega Superspeedway | 2 p.m. | NBC | MRN |
| Oct. 9 | Bank of America ROVAL 400 | Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL | 2 p.m. | NBC | PRN |
| Oct. 16 | South Point 400 | Las Vegas Motor Speedway | 2:30 p.m. | NBC | PRN |
| Oct. 23 | Dixie Vodka 400 | Homestead-Miami Speedway | 2:30 p.m. | NBC | MRN |
| Oct. 30 | Xfinity 500 | Martinsville Speedway | 2 p.m. | NBC | MRN |
| Nov. 6 | NASCAR Cup Series Championship | Phoenix Raceway | 3 p.m. | NBC | MRN |
In Canada, fans can watch all NASCAR races on TSN.
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