You’re sitting on the couch, snacks ready, and you realize you aren't actually sure when the green flag drops. It happens to the best of us. NASCAR start times can be a moving target depending on the track, the network, and whether the sun is still up. If you're looking for the short answer to what time does the race start nascar, most Cup Series events in 2026 kick off between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM ET on Sundays, though night races and west coast swings shake that up.
The 2026 season is a bit of a wildcard. We’ve got new venues like the San Diego Street Circuit and the return of Homestead-Miami as the championship finale. Keeping track of the clock is basically a part-time job now.
The Big Ones: Daytona and the Early Season
The crown jewel, the Daytona 500, is the one everyone marks on the calendar. For 2026, the green flag for the Great American Race is set for 2:30 PM ET on Sunday, February 15. It’s the standard mid-afternoon slot that FOX loves.
Before that, you’ve got the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, which is a night deal starting at 8:00 PM ET. Honestly, that short-track vibe under the lights is going to be chaotic in the best way. If you’re watching the Duels at Daytona on Thursday, February 12, those start at 7:00 PM ET.
Here is a quick look at the start times for the opening stretch of the 2026 Cup Series:
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- Atlanta (Feb 22): 3:00 PM ET
- COTA (March 1): 3:30 PM ET
- Phoenix (March 8): 3:30 PM ET
- Las Vegas (March 15): 4:00 PM ET
- Darlington (March 22): 3:00 PM ET
What Time Does the Race Start NASCAR This Summer?
Summer is where things get weird. NASCAR is leaning hard into streaming and new partners. You've got Amazon Prime Video taking over a chunk of the mid-season, and their start times are a little different.
The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte on May 24 remains the ultimate endurance test, starting at 6:00 PM ET. It’s that classic transition from afternoon sun to twilight to full darkness.
One of the biggest additions to the 2026 schedule is the San Diego Street Race at Naval Base Coronado. Since it’s on the West Coast, expect a later start for those of us on the Atlantic side. The green flag is scheduled for 4:00 PM ET on June 21. It’s the middle of the afternoon in California, but prime dinner time in New York.
The Return of Chicagoland and Night Racing
Chicagoland Speedway is back! After a long hiatus, it returns on July 5 with a 6:00 PM ET start time. It’s perfect for a post-holiday Sunday.
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Night racing also picks up steam in the warmer months.
- Nashville (May 31): 7:00 PM ET
- Atlanta (July 12): 7:00 PM ET
- North Wilkesboro (July 19): 7:00 PM ET
These later starts are a godsend for the drivers (and the fans in the stands) to avoid that brutal midday July heat.
The 2026 Playoff Clock
The playoffs are where the pressure peaks, and the start times reflect that "prestige" window. The Round of 16 kicks off at Darlington for the Southern 500 on September 6 at 5:00 PM ET.
The biggest change for 2026? The finale. We are heading back to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the championship race on November 8. Unlike the desert sunset finish in Phoenix, Homestead usually aims for a mid-afternoon start, currently slated for 3:00 PM ET. It’s a high-stakes afternoon in the Florida sun.
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Why Do the Times Keep Changing?
TV networks basically run the show. Between FOX, FS1, NBC, USA Network, TNT, and now Prime Video, everyone wants a specific "window."
West coast races almost always start later (3:30 PM or 4:00 PM ET) so people in California aren't watching breakfast racing. Conversely, when the series is in Bristol or Martinsville, they try to get the engines fired early enough to beat potential evening rain or to fit into a tight broadcast window before local news.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official NASCAR website and download the schedule directly to your phone. It automatically adjusts for your time zone so you don't have to do the mental math.
- Check the Pre-Race: If the schedule says 3:00 PM, that’s usually the "broadcast start." The actual engines-fired command is often 15-20 minutes later. If you just want to see the green flag, you've got a little buffer.
- Watch the Weather: If there’s a 60% chance of rain in Talladega, NASCAR might try to move the start up by 15 minutes. Follow beat reporters on social media about two hours before the scheduled start for the most accurate "real-time" flag drop.
The 2026 season is going to be fast, and with a few new tracks on the list, the schedule is more dynamic than ever. Just remember: when in doubt, 3:00 PM ET is your safest bet for a Sunday afternoon.