The NASCAR Cup Series wraps the regular season under the Daytona International Speedway lights with the Coke Zero Sugar 400. As the win-and-in race that closes the regular season, Daytona’s high-speed drafting and big-pack chaos offers a final shot at the playoffs for any winless driver still hunting a first victory of the year, with the playoff field locked the moment the checkered flag falls.
Whether you are heading to Daytona Beach or watching from home, here is the complete weekend itinerary, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the green flag for the main event.
Coke Zero Sugar 400 Event Overview
- Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Track: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
- Distance: 160 Laps (400 miles)
- Format: Regular-season finale, the final win-and-in race before the playoff cutoff
- Defending Winner: Ryan Blaney
- 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 27 | Cup Series Practice | TBD | TBD |
| Fri, Aug 28 | Cup Series Qualifying | TBD | TBD |
| Sat, Aug 29 | Coke Zero Sugar 400 (Main Event) | 7:30 PM | NBC |
Printable Coke Zero Sugar 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 Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be broadcast live on NBC. Streaming is also available via the NBC Sports App and Peacock.
How many stages are in the Coke Zero Sugar 400?
The race consists of three stages:
- Stage 1: Ends at Lap 35
- Stage 2: Ends at Lap 95
- Final Stage: Ends at Lap 160 (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.
