NASCAR Cup Series Richmond Race Hits Primetime: Don’t Miss Playoff Drama This Saturday on USA Network

The NASCAR Cup Series Richmond race, the Cook Out 400, will take place this Saturday, August 16, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Richmond Raceway, with coverage airing on USA Network and key playoff implications at stake for drivers. NBC Sports will also feature live Pro Motocross action from Unadilla, New Berlin, N.Y., starting earlier the same day, rounding out a pivotal weekend for motorsports fans.

NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Picture Intensifies at Richmond

This weekend marks the second-to-last regular-season event for the NASCAR Cup Series as drivers head to Richmond Raceway. The Cook Out 400 will be broadcast live on USA Network, with the Countdown to Green pre-race show beginning at 7 p.m. ET. As anticipation builds, top contenders are striving to secure their spot among the 16 drivers who will advance to the Playoffs kicking off August 31.

Veteran broadcasters Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton—known as “The Mayor—and race-winning crew chief Steve Letarte will anchor the broadcast. Pit reporting will be handled by Marty Snider, Dave Burns, and Kim Coon, while Snider will also contribute to pre- and post-race coverage with his fellow analysts. This seasoned group of analysts includes former Richmond winners Jarrett—who claimed victories at the track in 1997 and 1999—and Burton, who triumphed in 1998.

Looking back at last weekend’s Watkins Glen race, Shane van Gisbergen showcased his road course prowess by notching his fourth road course victory this season after previous wins in Mexico City, Chicago, and Sonoma. Christoper Bell took second place, and Chris Buescher claimed the final podium spot, exemplifying the competitive depth among current drivers. Austin Dillon will return as the defending champion at Richmond, adding further intrigue to the high-stakes event.

Race Coverage and How to Watch

NBC Sports, the official broadcast home of the NASCAR Championship and Playoffs, will air the final 14 Cup Series races this year across its platforms—concluding with the season’s title race at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Fans can watch Saturday’s Cook Out 400 on USA Network or stream it through NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Additionally, practice and qualifying coverage from Richmond will air live on truTV starting Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The on-air team for Richmond includes play-by-play announcer Leigh Diffey, with Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte delivering insights as analysts. Pit-side updates will be reported by Marty Snider, Dave Burns, and Kim Coon, while Snider, Burton, and Letarte will anchor the studio segments before and after the race.

Pro Motocross Championships Heat Up at Unadilla

Alongside the action at Richmond, the 2025 SMX World Championship and Pro Motocross season continue at Unadilla MX in New Berlin, N.Y., with live coverage Saturday at 1 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. The penultimate round for both series makes this weekend crucial for riders hoping to clinch their titles.

Jett Lawrence leads the 450 Class with 412 points, narrowly ahead of his brother, Hunter Lawrence, who recently celebrated his first 450 Class win. In the 250 Class, Haiden Deegan tops the leaderboard at 418 points, holding a 51-point advantage over Jo Shimoda. Both Lawrence and Deegan must keep or extend their margins to secure their respective championships this Saturday.

Calling the action for Pro Motocross will be Jason Weigandt and seven-time AMA champion James Stewart, with reporting by Jason Thomas and Katie Osborne. Qualifying coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET on Peacock via Race Day Live, with all main event racing and replays also available on the streaming service. Audio coverage can be accessed on SiriusXM NBC Sports Audio, Channel 85.

This week, fans can also catch conversations from the Title 24 podcast, where Ricky Carmichael—a 15-time AMA champion—and nine-time champion Ryan Villopoto discuss Hunter Lawrence’s breakthrough victory. Topics include insights into Hunter’s journey, upcoming races, and his personal interests.

What This Means for Fans and Competitors

The NASCAR Cup Series Richmond race carries significant weight as drivers battle for precious points before the playoff field is set, keeping the competition fierce and unpredictable. The broadcast team’s expertise, including figures such as Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton, and Steve Letarte, ensures in-depth coverage for viewers. Meanwhile, the simultaneous drama in Pro Motocross at Unadilla spotlighting athletes like Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence, and Haiden Deegan, highlights the pivotal nature of the weekend for two of motorsports’ premier disciplines. With championship hopes on the line and comprehensive coverage from NBC Sports and its platforms, motorsports fans are set for a crucial and action-packed Saturday.

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