2026 format update: NASCAR brought back the Chase for 2026 and removed all eliminations and cutoffs. The championship is now decided by the most points over the final 10 races, so no drivers are eliminated during the playoffs and there is no cut line. See our full 2026 NASCAR Chase format explainer. Any round, bracket, or cut-line details below reflect the retired 2017-2025 elimination format and are kept for reference.
Playoff picture entering Bristol: the Round of 16 cutoff
Bristol is the final race of the Round of 16. When the checkered flag drops, the 16-driver playoff field is cut to 12, so this is win-or-sweat night for the bubble. Austin Cindric holds the last transfer spot by just three points over Chris Buescher, with William Byron and Daniel Suarez also below the line and likely needing a Bristol win to advance.
Download the printable Bristol Chase cutoff tracker (PDF)
| Pos | Driver | Behind leader | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denny Hamlin | Leader | |
| 2 | Kyle Larson | -9 | Won Gateway, locked in |
| 3 | Christopher Bell | -18 | |
| 4 | Ryan Blaney | -33 | |
| 5 | Tyler Reddick | -42 | |
| 6 | Ty Gibbs | -51 | |
| 7 | Joey Logano | -51 | |
| 8 | Chase Briscoe | -59 | |
| 9 | Carson Hocevar | -88 | |
| 10 | Bubba Wallace | -90 | |
| 11 | Chase Elliott | -93 | |
| 12 | Austin Cindric | -108 | final transfer spot (+3) |
| Cut line – top 12 advance to the Round of 12 | |||
| 13 | Chris Buescher | -111 | needs a win or big day |
| 14 | Ryan Preece | -113 | needs a win or big day |
| 15 | William Byron | -114 | needs a win or big day |
| 16 | Daniel Suarez | -119 | needs a win or big day |
The NASCAR Cup Series stages its first elimination race of the playoffs under the Bristol Motor Speedway lights with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The 0.533-mile high-banked concrete oval is the loudest short track in the sport and a notorious tire-management puzzle, with tempers shortening as the laps run down. Four drivers are eliminated from the playoff field after the checkered flag, making Saturday night at Bristol the most consequential 500 laps of the postseason’s opening round.
Whether you are heading to Bristol or watching from home, here is the complete weekend itinerary, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the green flag for the main event.
Bass Pro Shops Night Race Event Overview
- Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Track: Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN (0.533-mile high-banked concrete oval)
- Distance: 500 Laps (266 miles)
- Format: Playoff Round of 16 elimination race; four drivers eliminated from postseason field
- Defending Winner: Christopher Bell
- 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, Sep 17 | Cup Series Practice | TBD | TBD |
| Fri, Sep 18 | Cup Series Qualifying | TBD | TBD |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Main Event) | 7:30 PM | USA Network |
Printable Bass Pro Shops Night Race 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 Bass Pro Shops Night Race will be broadcast live on USA Network. Streaming is also available via Peacock for USA Network subscribers.
How many stages are in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race?
The race consists of three stages:
- Stage 1: Ends at Lap 125
- Stage 2: Ends at Lap 250
- Final Stage: Ends at Lap 500 (Checkered Flag)
What time does the green flag drop?
While the broadcast begins at 7:30 PM ET, the official green flag is scheduled to wave at approximately 7:45 PM ET.
