NASCAR returned to the track in May after suspending its season in March as the coronavirus spread. After a summer of racing, NASCAR’s playoffs have arrived. Sixteen drivers qualified for the playoffs based the Cup Series standings. The field will narrow to 12 after the first three playoff races, then to eight after another three races before dropping to four after three more. Four drivers will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Arizona on Nov. 8.
Kevin Harvick won the first playoff race last week at Darlington. The second playoff race takes place on Saturday at the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia for the Federated Auto Parts 400. Here’s what you need to know to watch the racin’ and rubbin’ this weekend.
Which drivers are in the NASCAR playoffs?
Here are the 16 drivers in the race for the Cup Series championship:
- Kevin Harvick
- Denny Hamlin
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Chase Elliott
- Brad Keselowski
- Kyle Busch
- Joey Logano
- Ryan Blaney
- Aric Almirola
- Kurt Busch
- Alex Bowman
- William Byron
- Clint Bowyer
- Matt DiBenedetto
- Cole Custer
- Austin Dillon
After the first race, Kevin Harvick leads the pack in NASCAR’s playoffs.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
How to watch NASCAR without cable
NASCAR’s playoff began on Sept. 6 and a champion will be crowned after the last race on Nov. 8. You can view the full NASCAR schedule here. The Federated Auto Parts 400 starts on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) on NBCSN.
If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch the race with one of the live TV services below. NASCAR’s playoffs are being shown on NBC and NBCSN. The good news for race fans is that both channels are available on each streaming service. The catch is that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries NBC in your area.
If you live in an area with good reception, you can watch the races broadcast on NBC for free on over-the-air broadcast channels just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.
Read more: YouTube TV hiked its price to $65. Sling TV and Hulu are the best alternatives
Sling TV’s $30-a-month Blue plan includes NBC and NBCSN. Enter your address here to see which local channels are available where you live.
Read our Sling TV review.
All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our massive streaming services guide.
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