If you woke up today, January 15, 2026, wondering what time do NASCAR race come on today, you might be feeling that itch for the roar of V8 engines and the smell of high-octane fuel. It's that weird gap in the calendar. The holidays are over, the air is crisp, and every racing fan is checking their watch.
Honestly, if you're looking for a Cup Series points race right this second, you’re going to have to wait just a bit longer. The 2026 season hasn't officially green-flagged its main events yet. But don't click away just yet because "today" in the racing world is actually busier than the official TV guide might suggest. We are currently in the heart of the "pre-season" grind where the real work happens before the cameras start rolling for the big networks.
The 2026 Season Opener: Mark Your Calendars
The official start of the NASCAR Cup Series isn't happening this afternoon. Instead, the first big noise comes from Winston-Salem. The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is the first event on the 2026 slate, and it's scheduled for Sunday, February 1, at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
It’s a massive shift. For years, we got used to the Los Angeles Coliseum, but moving the Clash to the "Madhouse" at Bowman Gray is basically NASCAR returning to its roots. It’s a quarter-mile flat track where tempers flare and fenders get crushed. If you’re trying to plan your Sunday around it, the main event is the nightcap, but expect heat races to start earlier in the evening.
Why January 15th Matters to Race Teams
Even though there isn't a race on FOX or FS1 today, the garages in North Carolina are chaotic. January 15 is right in the middle of the final build-out phase. Teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing are finalizing their Daytona 500 cars.
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Tomorrow, January 16, is actually a huge day for sports car fans. The Roar Before the 24 starts at Daytona International Speedway. While it's technically IMSA and not NASCAR Cup, many of your favorite NASCAR drivers often hop into these endurance seats to get their eyes adjusted to high-speed drafting before Speedweeks begins.
What Time Do NASCAR Race Come On Today: The February Rush
Since you're searching for race times, you probably want the full picture of when the real action kicks off in a few weeks. The schedule for February 2026 is already locked in, and it's a gauntlet.
The Daytona 500 is the big one. It’s set for Sunday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m. ET. That’s the "Great American Race," and it’ll be broadcast on FOX. But the week leading up to it is where the schedule gets tricky for casual viewers.
You’ve got the Duels at Daytona on Thursday, February 12. Those start at 7:00 p.m. ET on FS1. These aren't just practice sessions; they determine the starting lineup for the 500. If a driver crashes out here, they’re starting at the back on Sunday—or worse, they might not make the race at all if they’re an "open" team.
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2026 Cup Series Early Season Start Times
| Date | Race Location | Start Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | Bowman Gray (The Clash) | 8:00 p.m. | FOX |
| Feb 12 | Daytona (The Duels) | 7:00 p.m. | FS1 |
| Feb 15 | Daytona 500 | 2:30 p.m. | FOX |
| Feb 22 | Atlanta Motor Speedway | 3:00 p.m. | FOX |
| March 1 | Circuit of the Americas | 3:30 p.m. | FOX |
Regional Action: The Chilly Willy
If you are absolutely desperate for a race "today" or this weekend, the regional scene is your best friend. Out West, the Chilly Willy at Tucson Speedway is the talk of the town. It’s a legendary Super Late Model event.
The practice sessions and preliminary stuff are happening now, with the main events running Friday through Sunday (January 16-18). It’s not on your standard cable package, but you can find it streaming on FloRacing. For those who don't know, FloRacing is basically the Netflix of short-track asphalt and dirt racing. The Friday action starts around 7:45 p.m. ET, while the Sunday finale kicks off earlier at 2:45 p.m. ET.
New Broadcast Partners for 2026
One thing that might confuse you once the season actually starts is where to find the races. We’ve moved past the simple "is it on FOX or NBC?" era. 2026 is a big year for streaming and new partners.
Amazon's Prime Video and TNT Sports are part of the mix now. While the early part of the season stays on FOX and FS1, the mid-summer stretch—starting with the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24—will shift to Prime Video. That’s a 6:00 p.m. ET start.
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Then, TNT takes over later in June. If you're looking for the Chicago Street Race or the return to Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, you'll need to make sure your TNT subscription is active. It’s a bit of a juggle, honestly. You almost need a spreadsheet just to keep up with which app to open.
Actionable Steps for Today
Since the engines aren't screaming on national TV this second, here is how you can get your NASCAR fix and prepare for the 2026 season opener:
- Check FloRacing: If you want to watch live racing this weekend, the Chilly Willy at Tucson is your only real bet. It features top-tier late model talent, many of whom are looking to climb into the NASCAR national ranks.
- Update Your Streaming Apps: Make sure you have the FOX Sports app, the NBC Sports app, and Prime Video ready to go. You don't want to be resetting your password five minutes before the Daytona 500 green flag.
- Set a Calendar Alert for Feb 1: The Clash at Bowman Gray is going to be unlike anything we've seen in the modern era. It's a 0.25-mile bullring. It will be chaotic, and it starts at 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Monitor the Rolex 24 Entry List: Keep an eye on news out of Daytona today. Many Cup drivers, including guys like Kyle Larson or Chase Elliott, often make surprise announcements about joining the 24-hour race later this month.
The 2026 NASCAR season is closer than it feels. While the question of what time do NASCAR race come on today results in a "not today" for the Cup Series, the countdown to the Madhouse at Bowman Gray is officially in single digits.
To stay ahead of the schedule, keep an eye on the official NASCAR app, as they tend to update gate times and practice schedules about 48 hours before the cars hit the track. Speedweeks is right around the corner, and once it starts, the racing won't stop until November.