The NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 returns to Richmond Raceway this Saturday night, August 16, with the race set to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. As drivers approach the end of the regular season, the spotlight is on their last few chances to secure a playoff spot in this major NASCAR event.
Where and When to Watch the Main Event
The highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 will take place at Richmond Raceway, with television coverage provided by USA Network beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. With the season nearing its end, this broadcast is essential viewing for fans tracking the playoff picture. For most of the remaining Cup Series schedule, USA Network is the primary broadcaster, aside from four events set to air on NBC.
Fans interested in practice and qualifying sessions can tune in on Friday, August 15. NASCAR Cup Series practice begins at 4:30 p.m. ET, immediately followed by qualifying at 5:40 p.m. ET. Both sessions will be shown on truTV, offering viewers the chance to see which drivers will make their mark ahead of the main event.
Additional Racing Action and Schedule Highlights
Richmond Raceway will also see the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series conclude its regular season with the eero 250 on Friday, August 15. The race‘s green flag drops at 7:30 p.m. ET, and FS1 will carry the live broadcast. This race determines the playoff lineup for truck series competitors, adding to the weekend’s intensity for drivers eager to advance.
Earlier on Friday, starting at 2:05 p.m. ET, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice will be held with coverage on FS2, followed by qualifying at 3:10 p.m. ET. These sessions allow teams and fans to assess performance before the final regular season showdown later that evening.
Thursday evening, August 14, brings more high-speed competition with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event, the Virginia Is for Racing Lovers 150. Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET with FloRacing providing the stream for fans interested in this distinct series.
Complete Event Schedule By Day
Thursday, August 14:
7:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Virginia Is for Racing Lovers 150 (FloRacing)
Friday, August 15:
2:05 p.m. ET – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice (FS2)
3:10 p.m. ET – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying
4:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series Practice (truTV)
5:40 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying (truTV)
7:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series eero 250 (FS1)
Saturday, August 16:
7:30 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 (USA Network)
What’s at Stake as the Season Winds Down
With just two NASCAR Cup Series races left in the regular season, intensity is high at Richmond Raceway as key drivers strive to lock in their playoff positions. Each session—from practice to qualifying to the main event—gives drivers a crucial opportunity to refine their strategies and boost chances of making the postseason. The Cook Out 400 is where some careers could take a dramatic turn, and for fans, it is a critical race to follow as NASCAR’s premier division heads towards the championship chase.
Fans and viewers looking to track which competitors—such as contenders from the Craftsman Truck Series and series regulars at the Cup level—solidify their playoff status will find this weekend in Virginia pivotal, as every lap and strategic choice could be the difference between extending their championship hopes or ending their season early.
