Do you have the need, the need for speed? If so, you’ll want to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
The NASCAR Cup Series season culminates in the championship race on Sunday, November 8. As of October 26, Kyle Larson leads Denny Hamlin by more than 70 points in the standings.
This guide breaks down how fans can catch all the racing action on TV and streaming. Keep reading to learn which channels will air the race and what services you’ll need so you don’t miss a lap.
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What channel shows the NASCAR Cup Series Championship?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship airs live on NBC at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 8.
Additionally, the championship race will feature NASCAR Driver Cam views on HBO Max. This is because TNT Sports started as one of the series’ broadcast partners in 2025. HBO Max and truTV will also carry practices and qualifying.
NASCAR Cup Series Championship TV schedule
The NASCAR Cup Series Championship is the culmination of a weekend full of racing events, most of which are broadcast on a variety of networks. This year, the final race will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Check out the table below for the full 2026 TV schedule.
Best TV plans for watching the NASCAR Cup Series Championship
The TV plans you’ll need for the Cup Series Championship depend on whether you want only the main practice, qualifying, and race broadcasts or additional coverage like driver cams.
Below, we break down why auto racing fans should consider YouTube TV or HBO Max to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Championship and then some.
Best overall: YouTube TV
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.) includes NBC for the championship race, as well as truTV for practices and qualifying. It also carries channels like FS1 and USA Network, which air much of the NASCAR regular season.
YouTube TV also carries major networks for watching the NBA, NFL, NHL, and college sports throughout the year. Some of its best features include a fully customizable multiview and unlimited DVR storage.
Best for NASCAR extras: HBO Max
HBO Max ($18.49–$22.99/mo.) offers additional race-weekend coverage through its Standard and Premium plans. You won’t get the main championship race broadcast, but it’ll cover practice and qualifying. The service also streams NASCAR Driver Cam coverage, which lets you follow drivers from inside their cars during the championship race.
HBO Max also provides sports coverage throughout the year. Live events that air on TNT, TBS, or truTV stream on the platform. The NCAA, NHL, MLB, and professional tennis all have events that appear on those channels.
How to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Championship for free
The best way to watch the championship race for free is with a one-time purchase of a digital antenna. With the event airing on NBC, it’ll be available for free over the air. Just make sure you live within range of an affiliate station by using Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Tool.
If an antenna isn’t your vibe, you can sign up for a free trial of a live TV streaming service that carries all the channels showing race weekend. DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV all offer trials of varying lengths, though availability and eligibility vary.
How to watch the NASCAR Cup Series Championship FAQ
Can I watch the NASCAR Cup Series Championship without cable?
Yes, you can use a digital antenna to watch the race on NBC. You can also catch the Cup Series Championship on any live TV streaming that carries the network.
Can I watch the NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Peacock?
Yes, but you need Peacock Premium Plus. That tier includes a live local NBC feed in supported areas.
Will the NASCAR Cup Series Championship stream on Prime Video?
No, neither the championship race nor the entire weekend will stream directly on Prime Video. But you can access the NBC race broadcast through the Peacock Premium Plus channel add-on in supported areas, while an eligible HBO Max add-on provides practice, qualifying, and NASCAR Driver Cam coverage.
Who won the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship?
Kyle Larson won the Cup Series title last year, after previously claiming it in 2021.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Junior Sports Writer, Alex Vejar, researched the NASCAR Cup Series Championship dates, times, and broadcast schedule. He cross-referenced that information with the channel lineups of several leading TV plans. He made recommendations with all types of racing fans in mind.
Check out our Editorial Policy page to learn more about our methods.
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