Honestly, if you're looking for the NASCAR live leaderboard today on TV, you might be a few weeks early for the engines to actually roar. It is January 15, 2026. Right now, the tracks are quiet, but the news cycle is absolutely on fire. Everyone is talking about the massive shift back to "The Chase" format that was just announced for the 2026 season. If you turn on your TV today expecting to see a live green flag at Daytona, you’ll likely find season previews and deep dives into how the new points system is going to wreck everyone's expectations.
The real action is just around the corner.
We are officially in the "pre-season" lull where teams like Richard Childress Racing are releasing their 2026 outlooks. But don't worry. I’m going to break down exactly how you’ll track that NASCAR live leaderboard today on TV once the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium kicks off on February 1. Because let's face it: following a race in 2026 is way more complicated than just flipping to a single channel.
Where to Find the NASCAR Live Leaderboard Today on TV
The 2026 season is a weird, fragmented beast. We have five different major broadcast partners now. If you’re trying to find the NASCAR live leaderboard today on TV, you have to know which "window" of the season we are in.
For the first half of the year, FOX Sports is your home. They have the rights to the biggest spectacle, the Daytona 500, which is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026.
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Here is the breakdown of who is showing what:
- FOX and FS1: They handle the start of the season through the spring.
- Prime Video: Starting May 24 with the Coca-Cola 600, Amazon takes over for a five-race stretch.
- TNT Sports / Max: They pick up the mid-summer "In-Season Challenge" starting June 28 at Sonoma.
- NBC and USA Network: These guys carry the home stretch, including the newly resurrected "Chase" playoffs.
If you are looking for a live leaderboard right this second on your television screen, check out the NASCAR Channel. It’s available on most smart TVs like Roku, Samsung TV Plus, and Vizio. They run 24/7 loops of classic races and, more importantly, live practice and qualifying coverage that often doesn't make it to the "big" networks.
The 2026 Schedule: Mark These Dates
Since there isn't a Cup Series race today, you need to know when the NASCAR live leaderboard today on TV will actually matter. The 2026 schedule is packed with some wild additions, like the race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego this June.
- February 1: The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (FOX, 8 p.m. ET)
- February 12: The Bluegreen Vacations Duels (FS1, 7 p.m. ET)
- February 15: The DAYTONA 500 (FOX, 2:30 p.m. ET)
- March 1: COTA (FOX, 3:30 p.m. ET)
- June 28: Sonoma Raceway (TNT, 3:30 p.m. ET)
- November 8: Championship at Homestead-Miami (NBC, 3 p.m. ET)
It’s interesting to note that the finale has moved to Homestead-Miami this year. Fans have been begging for this for ages. Phoenix was okay, but Homestead just feels like the proper place to crown a champion under the sun.
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Why the Leaderboard Looks Different This Year
NASCAR just dropped a bombshell on January 12. They are bringing back The Chase.
What does that mean for the NASCAR live leaderboard today on TV? Basically, the "Win and You're In" era is dead. You can't just stumble into a win at Talladega and coast the rest of the year. The leaderboard will now emphasize full-season consistency.
When you watch the race on TV, keep an eye on the "Points As They Stand" graphic. It’s going to be way more dynamic because every single position matters for making that 10-race postseason cut. The stress levels in the garage are already through the roof.
How to Get the "Pro" Leaderboard Experience
If you really want to track the race like a crew chief, don't just rely on the ticker at the top of your TV screen. It’s too slow.
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I always have the NASCAR Mobile App open on my phone while the race is on the big screen. The "Raw Feed" in the app gives you over 75 different data points. You can see brake pressure, throttle percentage, and—my favorite—the "Time Behind Leader" in real-time.
On Max (formerly HBO Max), they’ve added a "Driver Cam" feature for 2026. You can actually pull up a split-screen on your TV with the main broadcast on one side and a live leaderboard with 36 separate in-car cameras on the other. It’s a total game-changer for people who want to follow a specific driver like Kyle Larson or Chase Elliott without waiting for the TV producers to notice them.
What About the Lower Series?
Don't ignore the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly Xfinity) and the Craftsman Truck Series.
The O’Reilly Series is exclusive to The CW in 2026. Their season starts February 14. If you’re looking for their leaderboard, you’ll have to head to The CW app or find your local affiliate. The Truck Series stays on FS1.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since we are in the "waiting room" for the 2026 season, here is what you should do right now to be ready for the first NASCAR live leaderboard today on TV next month:
- Download the NASCAR Tracks App: This is where you'll manage tickets, but more importantly, it has the best "Live Scanner" feature to hear driver-to-crew communication.
- Check your Max Subscription: If you want those 36 in-car cameras, make sure your plan includes "Live Sports."
- Update your Calendar: Set an alert for Sunday, February 1 at 8 p.m. ET. That's when the "Clash" happens, and the real-time scoring data will finally start flowing again.
- Sync your Audio: If you use the scanner, use the "Pause" feature on your TV to line up the radio broadcast with the video. There is usually a 5-10 second delay on the TV side, and there’s nothing worse than hearing about a wreck before you see it.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable years in decades. Between the return of The Chase and the new TV partners, the way we consume the leaderboard has changed forever. Get your apps updated now so you aren't scrambling when the green flag drops at the Clash.