The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400. The 0.75-mile D-shaped short track in Virginia rewards tire conservation, late-race patience, and the willingness to bang fenders in the closing stages, with the regular season’s playoff cutoff just two races away and mid-pack teams hunting one last shot at a points haul under the lights.
Whether you are heading to Richmond or watching from home, here is the complete weekend itinerary, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the green flag for the main event.
Cook Out 400 Event Overview
- Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Track: Richmond Raceway, Richmond, VA (0.75-mile D-shaped short track)
- Distance: 400 Laps (300 miles)
- Defending Winner: Austin Dillon
- 2026 Pole Winner: TBD (updated after qualifying)
Full Weekend Schedule & TV Times
All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Schedule is subject to change due to weather. The latest official information is published on the NASCAR Cup Series 2026 schedule page.
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Aug 13 | Cup Series Practice | TBD | TBD |
| Fri, Aug 14 | Cup Series Qualifying | TBD | TBD |
| Sat, Aug 15 | Cook Out 400 (Main Event) | 7:00 PM | USA Network |
Printable Cook Out 400 Schedule & Tracker
Download our signature minimalist, low-ink PDF for the weekend. This one-page tracker includes the weekend schedule and a blank Lap Leader and Top 10 grid for you to fill out during the race.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series Resource Hub
Looking for the full season outlook? Browse the complete 2026 schedule, including all playoff dates, road courses, and the international San Diego debut. We also keep printable, low-ink schedules for the other two NASCAR national series:
- 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
- 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
- 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What channel is the NASCAR race on today?
The Cook Out 400 will be broadcast live on USA Network. Streaming is also available via Peacock for USA Network subscribers.
How many stages are in the Cook Out 400?
The race consists of three stages:
- Stage 1: Ends at Lap 70
- Stage 2: Ends at Lap 230
- Final Stage: Ends at Lap 400 (Checkered Flag)
What time does the green flag drop?
While the broadcast begins at 7:00 PM ET, the official green flag is scheduled to wave at approximately 7:15 PM ET.
