The NASCAR Cup Series begins the Round of 12 at Kansas Speedway with the Hollywood Casino 400. The 1.5-mile tri-oval has built a reputation for late-race lane choice and aggressive top-line side-drafting, with a recent string of close finishes pushing it among the most-watched intermediate tracks on the calendar. As the Round of 12 opener, every stage point shifts the math for the eventual cut to eight.
Whether you are heading to Kansas City or watching from home, here is the complete weekend itinerary, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the green flag for the main event.
Hollywood Casino 400 Event Overview
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Track: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS (1.5-mile tri-oval)
- Distance: 267 Laps (400.5 miles)
- Format: Playoff Round of 12, opening race
- Defending Winner: Chase Elliott
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Sep 25 | Cup Series Practice | TBD | TBD |
| Sat, Sep 26 | Cup Series Qualifying | TBD | TBD |
| Sun, Sep 27 | Hollywood Casino 400 (Main Event) | 3:00 PM | USA Network |
Printable Hollywood Casino 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 Hollywood Casino 400 will be broadcast live on USA Network. Streaming is also available via Peacock for USA Network subscribers.
How many stages are in the Hollywood Casino 400?
The race consists of three stages:
- Stage 1: Ends at Lap 80
- Stage 2: Ends at Lap 165
- Final Stage: Ends at Lap 267 (Checkered Flag)
What time does the green flag drop?
While the broadcast begins at 3:00 PM ET, the official green flag is scheduled to wave at approximately 3:15 PM ET.
