NASCAR Race Today: 2026 Coca-Cola 600 Start Time, TV Channel, and How to Watch Live

The Memorial Day weekend tradition is back, and stock-car racing’s most grueling test of endurance is taking center stage at Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you are trying to find the NASCAR race today, you need to know that things look a little different this year. From a massive shift in television broadcast rights to a weekend shadowed by an incredibly emotional loss, the 67th running of the Coke 600 is a must-watch event.

Whether you are hunting down the exact coca cola 600 start time or figuring out what channel is the nascar race on today, we have compiled everything you need to know to catch every single lap of the action live.

What Time Does the Coca-Cola 600 Start Today?

The 2026 coca-cola 600 is officially scheduled to go green on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

• Pre-Race Show: 5:00 PM ET
• Official Start Time: 6:00 PM ET
• Green Flag Drop: Approximately 6:29 PM ET

Because this is a 600-mile race consisting of four distinct 100-lap stages, expect the drivers to battle well into the night under the Charlotte lights.

What Channel is NASCAR on Today? How to Watch Live

If you are flipping through your traditional cable guide looking for what channel is the coca cola 600 on, you won’t find it. In a historic shift for the sport’s media rights, the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

This event marks Amazon’s official debut broadcast for the NASCAR Cup Series, kicking off a five-race summer streaming block.

Streaming Tip: To watch the race on your television, you will need to open the Prime Video app on your Smart TV, streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), or cast it directly from a mobile device. Traditional network channels like FOX or NBC will not carry the Cup race today.

For those tuning in via audio, the live radio broadcast is available via the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

Charlotte Starting Lineup: Heavy Rain Alters the Grid

Persistent wet weather completely disrupted the weekend schedule in Concord, North Carolina. Severe storms on Saturday afternoon completely washed away the formal qualifying sessions.

Per the NASCAR Rule Book, the starting lineup was set using performance metrics. As a result, current Cup Series points leader Tyler Reddick will start on the pole in his No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota. Flanking him on the front row is sophomore standout Ty Gibbs in the No. 54.

Front Row Lineup:

1. Tyler Reddick (No. 45 Toyota)
2. Ty Gibbs (No. 54 Toyota)
3. Shane van Gisbergen (No. 97 Chevrolet)
4. Michael McDowell (No. 71 Chevrolet)
5. Chase Briscoe (No. 19 Toyota)

See also: [NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Format and Rules Explained]

An Emotional Weekend: Tributes to Kyle Busch

Beyond the logistical hurdles of the weather, a somber atmosphere hangs over Charlotte Motor Speedway following the tragic passing of two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch earlier this week at age 41.

The racing community has mobilized with numerous structural tributes. Richard Childress Racing announced they will temporarily retire the iconic No. 8 car for this weekend out of respect. Instead, Xfinity Series regular Austin Hill will field a renumbered No. 33 Chevrolet starting from the 13th position. Additionally, the speedway has painted a massive No. 8 emblem directly into the frontstretch infield grass to honor the future Hall of Famer.

NASCAR Cup Series 2026 Schedule Archive

Keep track of the upcoming summer stretch as the Cup Series moves into its new broadcasting blocks. This archive will be continuously updated with race results and streaming links.

Weather Watch: Will Rain Cause a Delay?

While track drying systems are standing by, local forecasts indicate a 64% chance of scattered thunderstorms right around green flag time. Because Charlotte Motor Speedway features a high-grade lighting system, NASCAR officials are fully prepared to delay the green flag deep into Sunday evening to get the full 600 miles completed rather than postponing the event to Monday.