Is There a NASCAR Race Today, October 18? Sunday Cup Series Begin Time, TV Channel & How to Watch
NASCAR is again on the observe right now, Sunday (October 18), with the Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.
The race is a part of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase, with 4 races remaining within the championship battle.
The race comes one week after extreme climate forced changes to NASCAR’s schedule at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Here’s all the things you must know, together with the beginning time, TV channel and easy methods to watch on-line.
Is There a NASCAR Race Today, Sunday, October 18?
Yes! The NASCAR Cup Series is racing right now.
The Freeway Insurance 500 is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, at Phoenix Raceway.
The race will function 312 laps across the one-mile observe, overlaying 312 miles.
Today’s occasion is very necessary for drivers competing for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship. With the season approaching its conclusion, each level issues within the standings.
The race can also be happening at a observe that previously hosted the season finale. This yr, the championship will as a substitute be determined at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8.
What Time Is the NASCAR Race Today & What Channel Is It On?
Today’s NASCAR Cup Series race is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.
Here is the printed schedule:
– 2:30 p.m. ET: Pre-race protection on USA Network
– 3:00 p.m. ET: Freeway Insurance 500 on USA Network and HBO Max
– 6:00 p.m. ET: Scheduled post-race protection on USA Network
The 6:00 p.m. post-race itemizing is a part of the tv schedule, not a assured race end time.
How Can You Watch the NASCAR Race Online?
Fans can stream right now’s NASCAR Cup Series race by way of HBO Max, which NASCAR lists as an official streaming choice for the Freeway Insurance 500.
The race additionally airs on USA Network, which is out there by way of a number of reside TV streaming providers.
Here are your choices:
– DIRECTV: Includes USA Network by way of eligible streaming packages.
– YouTube TV: Includes USA Network in its reside TV lineup.
– Hulu + Live TV: Includes USA Network with its reside TV subscription.
– Sling TV: USA Network is out there with eligible plans, together with Sling Blue.
If you already subscribe to one among these providers, verify your channel lineup to substantiate USA Network is included.
How Can You Watch NASCAR for Free Today?
While right now’s NASCAR race isn’t airing on a free over-the-air tv channel, a number of reside TV streaming providers supply free trials to eligible new subscribers.
Here are the choices to verify:
– DIRECTV: Offers a five-day free trial for eligible new streaming subscribers.
– YouTube TV: Offers a free trial for eligible new subscribers. The trial size varies by supply.
– Hulu + Live TV: Offers a three-day free trial for eligible new or returning subscribers.
These trials could permit eligible viewers to look at right now’s race with out paying for a full subscription, offered USA Network is included of their chosen bundle.
A cost technique could also be required, and subscriptions usually renew on the common worth except canceled. Check the present trial phrases earlier than signing up.
Fans who already subscribe to HBO Max may also stream the race with out buying a separate reside TV bundle.
Who Is Starting First in Today’s NASCAR Race?
Ryan Blaney, 32, earned the pole position throughout Saturday’s qualifying session at Phoenix Raceway.
He will begin forward of Joey Logano, with Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell rounding out the highest 5.
Meanwhile, championship factors chief Kyle Larson certified twenty second, giving him extra floor to make up throughout Sunday’s race.
Ryan is on the lookout for his third straight Cup Series victory at Phoenix Raceway, based on NASCAR.
Fans can verify NASCAR’s official schedule for today’s race and the remaining occasions on the calendar.
NASCAR will head to Talladega Superspeedway subsequent Sunday (October 25), with the season finale scheduled for November 8.
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Posted To:Chase Briscoe Christopher Bell Denny Hamlin HBO Max Joey Logano Kyle Larson NASCAR Racing Ryan Blaney Sports Television
