The excitement of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs escalates this weekend as the Hollywood Casino 400 takes place at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sunday, September 28. The pivotal Round of 12 race begins at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, with live pre-race coverage featuring the focus keyword, NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET.
High Stakes as Playoff Round Intensifies
This Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 is the second of three critical races in the Round of 12, where the winning driver will secure a coveted place in the Round of 8, bringing them one step closer to the championship. As the pressure mounts, the four drivers with the lowest points totals will be eliminated after the final Round of 12 race scheduled for October 5 in Charlotte. This race at Kansas Speedway is key for drivers fighting to keep their championship aspirations alive.
The playoff standings have been reshaped after Ryan Blaney‘s recent victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which clinched his spot in the next round. William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin—who had notable on-track contact with fellow Joe Gibbs Racing competitor Ty Gibbs last weekend—hold the remaining top positions. Defending race winner Ross Chastain is currently sitting on the playoff bubble, making his performance this weekend especially significant.
NBC Sports Broadcast Team Prepares for Kansas Speedway
Coverage of the race will be led by a seasoned NBC Sports team. Leigh Diffey provides play-by-play commentary, bringing energy and insight, while Jeff Burton, a 21-time Cup Series winner known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR, joins as analyst alongside former Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte. Reporting from the pit lane, viewers will hear from Marty Snider, Kim Coon, and Dave Burns, ensuring comprehensive coverage from every angle at Kansas Speedway.
For the pre-race show, Marty Snider hosts alongside Burton and Letarte, setting the stage for viewers as anticipation builds. After the checkered flag, Diffey will lead the post-race analysis with input from Burton and Letarte, offering expert breakdowns and reactions from a dramatic day of racing.
Media Conference Looks Ahead to Playoff Cutoff
Attention will also turn to the near future as NBC Sports’ motorsports broadcast team—including Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, and Dale Jarrett—hosts a media conference call on Tuesday, September 30, at 1:30 p.m. ET. The discussion will preview next weekend’s playoff cutoff race in Charlotte and analyze the evolving postseason landscape. Media members interested in joining this call can contact NBC Sports directly for access details.
Features and Standout Moments in the Postseason
This week’s race broadcast will open with a segment voiced by actor P.J. Byrne, currently starring in the USA Network series “The Rainmaker.” Byrne is recognized for his roles in films such as “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Green Book,” and “Babylon.” In line with recent broadcasts, fans can look forward to another installment of “By the Numbers,” an NBC Sports feature highlighting the achievements of drivers associated with each car number still competing in the playoffs.
Remaining Races and Broadcast Information
Looking ahead, NBC Sports will continue as the official home of the NASCAR Championship and Playoffs, broadcasting the final 14 races of the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. The postseason will conclude with the championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. For fans following the action throughout the weekend, practice and qualifying from Kansas Speedway will air live on truTV this Saturday starting at 1 p.m. ET.
To watch the Hollywood Casino 400, fans can tune in on USA Network or stream the race through NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, ensuring no one misses a moment as the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs intensity rises.
Significance and Next Steps in the NASCAR Playoffs
This weekend at Kansas Speedway is crucial for drivers striving to stay in the hunt for the championship. As the field narrows and pressure grows, standout performances in Kansas will define the road to Phoenix for drivers such as Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Ross Chastain, and others. With experienced broadcasters like Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, and contributions from pit reporters Marty Snider, Kim Coon, and Dave Burns, fans can expect in-depth coverage of every key development during another high-stakes day of playoff racing.
