How to watch NASCAR race for free today

Two-time defending race champion Chase Briscoe aims to become the second driver in NASCAR history to win the Southern 500 three consecutive times. Find out how to watch for free. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)AP Photo/Nam Y. HuhIf you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.By Robert Fenbers, cleveland.comcleveland.com Express DeskDARLINGTON, S.C. -- The Chase is on! The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs begin today with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South, Carolina.How to watch NASCAR Cook Out Southern 500 What: NASCAR Cup Series playoffs: Cook Out Southern 500When: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026Time: 5 p.m. EasternWhere: Darlington Raceway | Darlington, S.C. Channel: USA NetworkStreaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month) and SlingTV How do I watch NASCAR Cook Out Southern 500 for free?This postseason race will broadcast live on USA Network with the green flag expected to drop at 5:10 p.m. Eastern. You can access free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which also offer large discounts on your first month. Looking for a different option? Fans can watch this game on SlingTV with Sling Blue or combining the Sling Orange and Blue plan. Here are five storylines to watch for today’s race: 1. Tyler Reddick takes the pole position after weather disrupts qualifyingTyler Reddick was awarded the pole position via the NASCAR rulebook after severe weather and lightning forced the cancellation of the scheduled qualifying sessions. As a co-favorite who already secured a victory at Darlington this past March, Reddick is well-positioned to leverage his front-row start in the 367-lap race.2. Denny Hamlin leads the championship field into the playoff openerDenny Hamlin enters the Southern 500 as the standings leader, holding a significant 25-point lead over Ryan Blaney. Hamlin is considered a primary favorite for the event given his history as a five-time winner at this specific South Carolina crown jewel.3. Chase Briscoe seeking historic third consecutive Southern 500 victoryChase Briscoe has won back-to-back Cook Out Southern 500 races, marking a golden opportunity today at one of NASCAR’s oldest and most prestigious events. Jeff Gordon is the only driver to ever win three consecutive Southern 500 races.4. Darlington’s unique layout provides a grueling mental challengeThe 1.33-mile egg-shaped oval, famously known as “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” requires drivers to maintain extreme composure while racing at high speeds right alongside the perimeter fence. The race is structured as a 367-lap endeavor with critical stage breaks occurring at laps 115 and 230 to test driver mentality and vehicle endurance.5. Playoff contenders face varying obstacles in the 38-driver fieldThe starting grid features 16 Chase drivers vying for the championship within a larger field of 38 starters, including those like William Byron who must navigate from the 20th position. While playoff drivers like Daniel Suarez and Ryan Preece start at the front, others like Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney begin deeper in the pack due to the rulebook-determined starting order.Where to watch NASCAR Cup Series Chase Cook Out Southern 500 FREE STREAM today How to watch Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio D’Italia 2026 for free today How to watch LSU, Lane Kiffin vs. Clemson, Dabo Swinney for free today How to watch Michigan football game for free today Oregon vs. Boise State FREE STREAM: How to watch today Robert Fenbers, who has been a freelance journalist since 2015, is the sports commerce reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Robert focuses on local and national sporting event ticket sales and how...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.