Wait. Is it actually racing season yet? Honestly, if you're looking for the high-octane roar of a NASCAR Cup Series engine or the high-pitched scream of a Formula 1 car today, January 17, 2026, you might be a few weeks early for the "big" stuff. But that doesn't mean the track is cold. Not even close.
While the Daytona 500 and the Australian Grand Prix are still sitting on the horizon, today is a massive day for dirt and endurance fans. If you are asking what channel is today's race on, you are likely looking for the bar-to-bar chaos of Monster Energy AMA Supercross or the prep work for the legendary Rolex 24.
Supercross Round 2: San Diego Takeover
Tonight is all about Snapdragon Stadium. After the season opener in Anaheim last week, the 2026 Supercross championship is heading south to San Diego. This isn't just a race; it's the first real test of whether the Round 1 results were a fluke or a sign of a changing of the guard.
You've got the Lawrence brothers—Jett and Hunter—trying to assert dominance, but the veteran field is hungrier than ever. The dirt in San Diego is notoriously tricky, often getting slick and hard-packed, which favors the technical riders who can find traction where others just spin their wheels.
Where to Watch the 2026 San Diego Supercross
Basically, your best friend tonight is Peacock.
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NBC Sports has consolidated almost all their two-wheel coverage onto their streaming platform. If you want to see the morning qualifying sessions (which start around 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT), Peacock is the only place to be. It’s kinda nice having it all in one spot, but it’s definitely a shift for those used to just flipping through cable channels.
- Live Coverage: Starts at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT) on Peacock.
- TV Broadcast: NBC usually does a delayed or "best of" broadcast, but for the live Main Events (the ones that actually count for points), you need the app.
- International Fans: The Supercross Video Pass is still the go-to for anyone outside the United States.
The Roar Before the 24: IMSA Heat is Rising
If you aren't into dirt bikes, you’re probably looking for the sports cars. We are officially in the "Roar Before the 24" window at Daytona International Speedway.
Technically, the "Roar" is the official test session and qualifying weekend for the Rolex 24 at Daytona, which happens next week. Today, January 17, the paddock is buzzing. You have the GTP hybrids, the LMP2s, and the GTD Pro cars all screaming around the high banks.
You won't find a standard "race" on network TV today for IMSA, but IMSA.tv and Peacock are running live timing and selected practice streams. It’s the best way to see how the new 2026 aero packages are handling the Daytona draft.
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What About NASCAR and F1?
Look, I get it. Most people asking what channel is today's race on are looking for the Cup Series.
But here is the reality: The 2026 NASCAR season doesn't officially kick off until February 1st for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. That's going to be on FOX. As for the Daytona 500? That’s scheduled for February 15th.
Formula 1 is even further out. The 2026 F1 calendar—which, by the way, features those wild new engine regulations everyone is nervous about—doesn't start until the Australian Grand Prix on March 8th. We are still in the "leaked car renders and gym selfies" phase of the F1 offseason.
Quick Summary of Today's TV/Stream Schedule
- Event: Monster Energy AMA Supercross (Round 2 - San Diego)
- Qualifying: 1:00 PM ET on Peacock
- Main Events: 7:00 PM ET on Peacock
- Event: IMSA Roar Before the 24 (Practice/Testing)
- Stream: Peacock / IMSA.tv
- Event: Long Haul 100 (Ultramarathon)
- Location: Dade City, FL (Mostly tracked via live-results apps like Ultrasignup, no major TV broadcast).
Why San Diego Matters Today
If you’re tuning into the Supercross race tonight, keep an eye on the 250 West class. Usually, by Round 2, we see who actually did the work in the gym over the winter. The start is everything at Snapdragon Stadium. The run to the first turn is long, and if you aren't in the top five by the time they hit the first rhythm section, your night is basically over.
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Also, keep an eye on the weather. Southern California in January can be unpredictable. A little bit of rain turns that San Diego clay into "greased lightning," which is a nightmare for the mechanics but a dream for fans who love a good underdog story.
Actionable Next Steps for Race Fans
If you're ready to watch, don't wait until 7:00 PM to figure out your login.
- Check your Peacock Subscription: Make sure your "Premium" or "Premium Plus" account is active. They usually have a deal for sports fans this time of year.
- Download the IMSA App: If you want to follow the Roar Before the 24, the app gives you the best "driver's eye" view of the timing and scoring.
- Sync your Calendar: Mark February 1st for the NASCAR Clash. It's moving to Bowman Gray this year, and that "Madhouse" atmosphere is going to be unlike anything we've seen in the modern era.
There you go. No more scrolling through 500 channels of infomercials. Get the Peacock app open, grab a drink, and enjoy the San Diego dirt.