The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs coverage commences this Sunday, August 31, with the highly anticipated Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, beginning at 6 p.m. ET on USA Network. Fans can tune into pre-race programming at 5:30 p.m. ET with “Countdown to Green,” offering in-depth insights and expert analysis ahead of the playoff opener.
Key Drivers to Watch as Playoffs Begin
This Sunday’s event marks the start of the Round of 16, where the lowest four competitors will exit the Playoffs after three pivotal races. Leading the season-long points standings are Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney—who clinched the regular season finale at Daytona in a dramatic finish—and Christopher Bell. Shane van Gisbergen, celebrated as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, is set to make his debut Playoff appearance with strong momentum from his impressive season.
Joey Logano heads into the competition as the current three-time defending NASCAR Cup Series champion. Joining him among prior champions in the sixteen-driver field are Blaney, Larson, and Chase Elliott. Chase Briscoe, meanwhile, returns as the defending champion of last year’s Cook Out Southern 500, adding an extra layer of intensity for both fans and participants.
Broadcast Lineup and Innovative Race Coverage Features
This season‘s NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs coverage will be led by NBC Sports’ esteemed commentator Leigh Diffey, accompanied by former Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton, known during his career as “The Mayor,” and championship crew chief Steve Letarte. Supporting them on the ground will be Marty Snider, Dave Burns, and Kim Coon, who will provide detailed pit reporting throughout the event.
Dale Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time Darlington winner (1997, 1998, 2001), will anchor from the Peacock Pit Box, offering additional expertise during pre-race and post-race segments alongside host Marty Snider. Jeff Burton, a two-time victor at Darlington, brings a wealth of driver knowledge to the broadcast analysis team. Parker Kligerman will also contribute as a pit reporter for a comprehensive broadcast team effort.
Enhanced Viewing Experience and Broadcast Information
The telecast will feature a dynamic mix of overhead pit cameras, spotter footage, and pit box perspectives, providing viewers with unique close-ups on the action and emotion that define Playoff racing. Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker will lend his voice to Command Central during the event, further heightening the race-day atmosphere.
NBC Sports’ commitment to extensive NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs coverage continues, as the network will present the season’s final 14 races across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. The championship race will conclude at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Live coverage of preliminary practice and qualifying sessions will be available on truTV starting at 9 a.m. ET this Saturday.
Broadcast and Studio Teams for the Darlington Race
The main commentators steering Sunday’s coverage are Leigh Diffey (play-by-play), Jeff Burton, and Steve Letarte (analysts). On pit reporting duties, viewers can expect updates and stories from Dave Burns, Kim Coon, and Parker Kligerman. Studio responsibilities are handled by host Marty Snider, joined by studio analyst Dale Jarrett, enhancing the in-depth analysis and race reporting for fans at home.
How and Where to Watch the Opening Playoff Race
The opening event of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs will air live on USA Network, while those preferring online access can stream the race via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. The comprehensive coverage will bring viewers a front-row experience of the intensity and drama as the 2025 Round of 16 unfolds at Darlington, setting the stage for a competitive postseason stretch.
As the Playoffs launch, heightened excitement surrounds top contenders like champions Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott, with new talents like Shane van Gisbergen and proven experts like Dale Jarrett contributing to the broadcast and on-track action. Fans can anticipate spirited racing, expert commentary, and cutting-edge broadcast technology as they follow the road to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
