For anyone who’s asking “What channel is the NASCAR race on today?” the answer is that it be on over-the-air TV.
The Cup Series is at Martinsville Speedway this weekend for the Xfinity 500, the final race in the Round of 8 and the ninth race in the 2021 playoffs. The 500-lap, 263-mile event on Martinsville’s 0.526-mile short track will decide the field for the Championship 4 race the following weekend. The race will be shown on a broadcast network.
The NBC family of networks is airing all 10 NASCAR Cup Series playoff races, with the schedule evenly split between cable and broadcast.
Below is all you need to know about the schedule for Sunday’s playoff race, including the TV coverage and start time:
MORE: Watch today’s NASCAR race live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)
What channel is NASCAR on today?
- TV channel: NBC (TSN5 in Canada)
- Live stream: NBC Sports.com | NBC Sports App | Peacock | fuboTV (7-day free trial)
- Radio: MRN
NBC’s programming will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET with the “Countdown to Green” prerace show hosted by Marty Snider with Kyle Petty and Dale Jarrett. Race coverage will begin at 2 p.m. Rick Allen will have the play-by-play call while Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte will provide analysis.
Snider, Dave Burns, Parker Kligerman and Dillon Welch will be the pit reporters. Rutledge Wood will provide coverage as a specialty reporter.
What time does the NASCAR race start today?
- Race: Xfinity 500
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 31
- Time: 2 p.m. ET (TV time)
The green flag for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff race on Martinsville Speedway’s 0.526-mile short track is scheduled to drop at 2:12 p.m. ET Sunday. The track has lights, so the race can finish after sunset if there is a delay.
MARTINSVILLE LINEUP: Starting order, pole without qualifying
Weather conditions should ensure an on-time start. The National Weather Service forecast for Ridgeway, Va., where Martinsville Speedway is located, is for mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 65 degrees. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph, however.
NASCAR live stream for Martinsville race
Anyone who has a cable or satellite subscription can stream Sunday’s NASCAR race at Martinsville live via NBCSports.com or the NBC Sports App.
For those who don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, there are five over-the-top (OTT) TV streaming options that carry NBC — AT&T TV, fuboTV, Hulu, Sling and YouTubeTV.
Below are links to each:
NBC is televising the race, so it can also be streamed on the network’s premium service, Peacock.
NASCAR Cup Series 2021 schedule
Below is the remaining schedule for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, starting with Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville, the last race in the Round of 8.
NASCAR Cup Series 2021 playoffs Round of 8
| Date | Race | Track | Time (ET) | TV | Radio |
| Oct. 31 | Xfinity 500 | Martinsville Speedway | 2 p.m. | NBC,TSN5 | MRN |
NASCAR Cup Series 2021 playoffs Championship 4
| Date | Race | Track | Time (ET) | TV | Radio |
| Nov. 7 | NASCAR Cup Series Championship | Phoenix Raceway | 3 p.m. | NBC | MRN |