You’re staring at the TV guide. You’ve scrolled through FS1, checked the local FOX affiliate, and maybe even peeked at USA Network. Nothing. If you are looking for the nascar today channel and time on this Friday, January 16, 2026, there is a very simple, albeit slightly frustrating, reason for the empty screen: the "Big Three" national series haven't officially started yet.
We are currently in that weird, quiet pocket of January. The Cup Series, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (the new name for Xfinity), and the Craftsman Trucks are all tucked away in their shops, prep teams working overtime for February.
But that doesn't mean engines aren't turning.
Actually, if you’re a die-hard, the "real" season is happening right now on the short tracks. Specifically, if you’re looking for racing today, you need to pivot your search away from cable and toward streaming.
Where to Find Racing Right Now
The biggest event happening today, January 16, isn't a Cup race. It's the Chilly Willy at Tucson Speedway. It’s a crown jewel for Super Late Models, and honestly, it’s some of the best racing you’ll see all year because these guys aren't points-racing for a corporate trophy—they’re racing for pride and a decent paycheck in the desert.
If you want the nascar today channel and time for this specific event:
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- Time: 7:45 p.m. ET (Local Tucson time is much earlier, but that's the broadcast start).
- Channel: FloRacing.
You won't find this on FOX or NBC. FloRacing has basically become the home for all NASCAR Regional and grassroots properties. It’s a subscription service, but for most of us who can't survive the winter without the smell of high-octane fuel, it’s the only game in town.
Beyond the Chilly Willy, the Chili Bowl Nationals are wrapping up their preliminary nights in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While not technically a NASCAR-sanctioned event, half the Cup field usually shows up there to flip midget cars in the dirt. You can catch that action on MAVTV or the FloRacing platform as well.
The 2026 Cup Series Schedule: What’s Coming
The wait isn't much longer. We are exactly 16 days away from the first green flag of the 2026 season. NASCAR is sticking with its new tradition of kicking things off with an exhibition, and this year, they are heading back to the "Madhouse."
The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026.
- Channel: FOX.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET.
Bowman Gray is a tiny quarter-mile track in Winston-Salem. It’s tight. It’s violent. It’s exactly what the sport needs to wake everyone up from their winter slumber. Because the track is so small, they won’t fit the whole field; you’ll have to watch the heat races on Saturday and Sunday afternoon just to see who makes the main event.
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The Daytona 500 Lockdown
After the Clash, everything moves to Florida. The Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- Time: 2:30 p.m. ET.
- Channel: FOX.
This is the big one. If you’re trying to plan your February, keep in mind that the "Duels"—the qualifying races that set the grid—happen on Thursday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m. ET on FS1.
Changing Channels: The 2026 Media Shakeup
One thing that’s going to trip people up this year is the broadcast rotation. It’s not just FOX and NBC anymore. We are in the second year of a massive media rights deal that split the season into five distinct "chunks."
If you just rely on your DVR, you’re going to miss races.
- The FOX Era (Feb – May): They handle the first 14 races. Most are on FOX, some on FS1.
- The Amazon Prime Jump (May 24 – June 21): This is the part that still feels weird. Prime Video has a five-race exclusive block starting with the Coca-Cola 600. No cable channel. No antenna. Just the app.
- The TNT Sports/Max Block (June 28 – July 26): TNT is back! They take over for five races, including the return of the Brickyard 400 on the oval. These will be on TNT and streaming on Max.
- The NBC Home Stretch (August – November): NBC and USA Network handle the playoffs and the regular-season finale.
Basically, your nascar today channel and time depends entirely on which month of the year it is. If it’s June, you’re probably looking for a login password rather than a channel number.
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Surprising Schedule Additions for 2026
NASCAR's schedule makers clearly spent their off-season drinking a lot of coffee, because 2026 is a weird one—in a good way.
We’re going to a street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21. It’s part of a massive celebration for the U.S. Navy. That race will be exclusive to Prime Video at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Also, Chicagoland Speedway is officially back from the dead. After being abandoned for years, it’s hosting a Cup race on July 5 on TNT. It’s replacing the Chicago Street Race, which, let's be honest, had a good run but was a logistical nightmare for the city.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there isn't a Cup race on the nascar today channel and time right this second, here is how you should prepare so you aren't scrambling on February 1:
- Check your FloRacing subscription: If you want to see the Chilly Willy tonight or the regional races throughout the year, this is non-negotiable.
- Update your streaming apps: Make sure Prime Video and Max (for TNT Sports) are updated on your smart TV. You don't want to be downloading a 2GB update while the cars are pacing.
- Mark the "Madhouse": Set a reminder for February 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX for the Bowman Gray Clash.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official NASCAR site or your favorite team's page (Hendrick, JGR, etc.) and download the digital schedule to your phone. It automatically adjusts for your time zone so you don't have to do the "is it Eastern or Central?" math.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a chaotic transition year with new tracks and shifting broadcast partners. Stay sharp, or you'll be left watching a blank screen while the field takes the green.