This Saturday, NASCAR fans mark their calendars for the pivotal NASCAR Cup Series cutoff race at Daytona, where two remaining Playoff spots are still in contention at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. The event, broadcasting live at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, will determine the final lineup before the postseason, heightening anticipation for drivers and teams alike.
Countdown to the Playoff Finale
The regular season for the NASCAR Cup Series will reach its climax on August 23, as drivers navigate the high-stakes Coke Zero Sugar 400. With pre-race coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock’s ‘Countdown to Green’, viewers will witness the pressure mount as fourteen of sixteen available Playoff positions have already been secured. Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman are among those teetering on the bubble, hoping to maintain or improve their standing among the top sixteen, while other drivers look for a win or better points finish to secure a postseason berth. The importance of this race cannot be overstated, as dreams of championship contention either survive or end under the lights at Daytona.
Comprehensive Coverage and Broadcast Team
NBC Sports demonstrates its commitment to motorsports by assembling a distinguished broadcast team for the NASCAR Cup Series cutoff race at Daytona. Longtime commentator Leigh Diffey is set to deliver play-by-play insights, supported by the expertise of Jeff Burton, a 21-time Cup Series winner known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR, and Steve Letarte, who once guided Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Daytona 500 victory as crew chief. The pit reporting team features Marty Snider, Dave Burns, Kim Coon, and Parker Kligerman, providing updates from trackside.
Dale Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer with a history of Daytona triumphs—in 1999 and as a three-time Daytona 500 winner (1993, 1996, 2000)—will offer his analysis from the Peacock Pit Box alongside Brad Daugherty, co-owner of Hyak Motorsports. Coverage will be anchored by Snider, Jarrett, and Daugherty before and after the race, offering viewers comprehensive perspectives from inside the sport.
Recap of Recent Races and Standings
Last weekend in Richmond, competition was fierce as Austin Dillon grabbed a win, with Alex Bowman finishing ninth and Ryan Blaney securing fifth. William Byron, who already clinched the season’s Daytona 500, remains a strong force in the field. The focus for fans and drivers now shifts to Daytona, where every lap counts in the scramble for the two unclaimed playoff slots.
As it stands, Reddick and Bowman hold those final Playoff spots, but challengers remain close behind. Drivers must rely on both consistency throughout the season and opportunity at Daytona, where one unexpected victory can shift the entire postseason picture. Playoff action will begin the following week in Darlington, making this Saturday the last chance to influence the bracket.
NBC Sports’ NASCAR Broadcast Schedule and Platform Options
NBC Sports, recognized as the official home of the NASCAR Championship and Playoffs, is set to conclude the regular season with Saturday’s feature before carrying all final 14 Cup Series races. The network provides broad access through NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, culminating with the championship battle at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. For those interested in the full experience, qualifying at Daytona can be watched this Friday on truTV beginning at 5:05 p.m. ET.
Viewers can tune into the race on NBC or stream live via Peacock, NBCSports.com, or the NBC Sports app. This level of access ensures fans don’t miss a moment as the Cup Series regular season concludes and the Playoff field is set for Darlington and beyond.
Pro Motocross and SMX Championship at Budds Creek
Motorsports enthusiasts can expect a packed weekend of competition beyond NASCAR. The 2025 SMX World Championship and Pro Motocross season conclude Saturday, August 23, from Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, Maryland. The final round, airing exclusively at 1 p.m. ET on Peacock, features top talent like Haiden Deegan, who leads Jo Shimoda by 43 points in the 250 Class. Garrett Marchbanks holds third, while Deegan eyes a second consecutive 250 Class crown.
In the 450 Class, Jett Lawrence arrives with momentum after winning Unadilla and clinching his second title, a remarkable comeback after recovering from winter knee surgery. His brother, Hunter Lawrence, trails but holds second in the standings, with Eli Tomac in third—a scenario that could produce a historic sibling 1-2 finish for the series championship.
Coverage features Jason Weigandt on play-by-play, with SuperMotocross analyst and seven-time AMA champion James Stewart. Reporting from the track will be handled by Jason Thomas and Haley Shanley, while Race Day Live qualifying starts at 10 a.m. ET on Peacock. All racing, qualifying, and on-demand content remain accessible for fans throughout the season.
The paddock’s depth of analysis continues with 15-time AMA champion Ricky Carmichael and nine-time titleholder Ryan Villopoto, who recently discussed Unadilla results and previewed Budds Creek on the Title 24 podcast.
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Action at Virginia International Raceway
The motorsports excitement continues Sunday, August 24, as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship stages the Michelin GT Challenge at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia. The event begins at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock, spotlighting the final standard-length race of the IMSA season.
Competitors will navigate the demanding 3.27-mile, 17-turn layout during a 2 hour-40 minute contest, with GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) and GT Daytona (GTD) classes featured. The No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R leads the standings, closely pursued by the No. 81 DragonSpeed Ferrari 296 GT3, which boasts three straight wins. Defending champions AO Racing are third in the points, intensifying the fight for honors as the year draws to a close.
NBC Sports brings thorough race coverage, with Brian Till’s play-by-play joined by former IMSA GT driver Calvin Fish as analyst. Matt Yocum and Chris Wilner round out pit reporting duties, ensuring fans stay updated on developments from the circuit. Live coverage and on-demand options are available on Peacock, with USA Network providing TV access.
What’s Next for Drivers, Teams, and Fans
The NASCAR Cup Series cutoff race Daytona stands as the season’s most consequential event for bubble drivers and teams striving for championship relevance. As the field finalizes for the Playoffs and attention shifts to Darlington, each lap at Daytona International Speedway will influence careers and narratives heading into the postseason. With NBC Sports extending its motorsports programming across NASCAR, Pro Motocross, and IMSA, fans have multiple avenues for live and on-demand viewing, ensuring comprehensive coverage of a pivotal weekend in American racing.
