The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase officially begins on September 6, marking the start of a ten‑race postseason that will determine the season champion. Sixteen drivers, selected from the regular‑season standings, will compete for the title, with the first event being the Cook Out Southern 500 at 5 p.m. ET.
Broadcast Details
Fans can watch the action at no cost through a five‑day free trial offered by DIRECTV, which includes access to USA Network and NBC as well as streaming on HBO Max. The same programming is also available on the NBC network and via the USA Network cable channel, ensuring broad coverage across television and digital platforms.
Under the revised points structure, a race victory now earns 55 points, up from the previous 40, while consistency throughout the regular season plays a larger role in securing a Chase spot. This shift underscores the importance of steady performance, as the top 16 drivers in the points standings earn their place in the postseason.
Denny Hamlin currently leads the field with 2,100 points, followed closely by Ryan Blaney at 2,075. With the win‑and‑in rule eliminated, drivers must rely solely on accumulated points to qualify, making the regular season performance more critical than ever as the Chase unfolds toward the November 8 championship race.