The next chapter in the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 16 Playoffs unfolds this Sunday, September 7, at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Fans can watch the Enjoy Illinois 300 at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, placing the focus keyword NASCAR Cup Series Round of 16 Playoffs squarely in the spotlight as drivers battle to secure their spot in the Round of 12.
Pre-race coverage will start at 2:30 p.m. ET with the “Countdown to Green,” setting the stage for a highly anticipated race at a venue making its playoff debut. The event follows Chase Briscoe’s clutch win at Darlington Raceway, which allowed Briscoe to clinch advancement to the next playoff round.
Playoff Standings and Drivers on the Verge
Chase Briscoe’s recent victory has intensified the competition, with drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, and Bubba Wallace ranking among the current top five in the playoff standings. The pressure is mounting as only the best twelve will progress, with the lowest four in points facing elimination after the first three races of the postseason.
Austin Cindric, the defending Enjoy Illinois 300 winner, returns looking to repeat his success on this track, while Joey Logano, victorious in the inaugural 2022 event, also enters as a favorite. With World Wide Technology Raceway hosting its first-ever playoff race, drivers and teams face the challenges of uncertainty and heightened pressure on a relatively untested course for postseason action.
Broadcast Details and Expert Commentary Team
NBC Sports brings an experienced lineup to cover the high-stakes race. Leigh Diffey will handle play-by-play, joined by analysts Jeff Burton, a 21-time Cup Series race winner known as “The Mayor,” and Steve Letarte, the Daytona 500-winning crew chief. Reporting from pit road are Marty Snider, Kim Coon, and Dillon Welch, who will provide updates throughout the event.
In the studio, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett will anchor analysis from the Peacock Pit Box, with Marty Snider hosting pre- and post-race discussions alongside Jarrett. The full broadcast effort aims to deliver comprehensive coverage as the playoff picture becomes clearer.
Special Appearances and Championship Context
A highlight for the broadcast is the participation of Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, celebrated for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and a 1982 World Series ring, who will serve as Command Central’s voice during the event.
This race is part of a larger playoff sequence, with NBC Sports presenting the final 14 rounds of the NASCAR Cup Series, culminating in the Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Practice and qualifying coverage kicks off Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET on truTV, giving fans a complete view of the weekend’s competition.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs Launching in Charlotte
Before Sunday’s NASCAR showdown, motorsports fans can catch Round 1 of the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs from zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. The action starts Saturday, September 6, at 2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock, transitioning to NBC and Peacock at 3 p.m. ET for an expanded television broadcast.
This third annual playoff series features riders like two-time SMX World Champions Jett Lawrence (450 Class) and Haiden Deegan (250 Class), both fresh off wins in their respective Pro Motocross classes. Over three weeks and three rounds, competitors will battle for the crown, promising both excitement and unpredictability.
Coverage and Broadcast Teams: NASCAR and SuperMotocross
The NASCAR Cup Series event will be voiced by Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton, and Steve Letarte, with Marty Snider, Kim Coon, and Dillon Welch as pit reporters. Studio duties fall to host Marty Snider and analyst Dale Jarrett. Fans can watch on USA Network or stream via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
On the SuperMotocross coverage, Jason Weigandt provides play-by-play, backed by analysis from Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart, two decorated AMA champions. Will Christien and Jason Thomas report from the track, keeping viewers informed of all developments.
For SuperMotocross, coverage kicks off Saturday morning with Race Day Live qualifying at 9:30 a.m. ET on Peacock. Live and on-demand content is available exclusively on Peacock, with additional television coverage on NBC and CNBC and audio access through SiriusXM NBC Sports Audio, Channel 85.
What to Expect as Playoffs Continue
As the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 16 Playoffs intensify at World Wide Technology Raceway, all eyes are on the drivers hovering near the cut line and on those aiming to solidify their standing before the first elimination. With experienced broadcasters and legendary athletes from both NASCAR and other sports lending their voice to the event, fans can expect robust coverage and dramatic developments on race day. The lead-up and subsequent rounds will play a crucial role in determining who advances to the Round of 12 and shapes the rest of the 2025 season for the NASCAR Cup Series.
