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Where to watch NASCAR Cup Series Championship today: TV channel, start time, schedule for 2025 final race | Sporting News

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2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race: Schedule, Timing, and Broadcast Details

The climax of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is set to unfold at Phoenix International Raceway, where the final, 267‑mile race will decide the champion. NASCAR officials released a comprehensive schedule that confirms the event’s timing, network coverage, and key playoff details, giving fans a clear roadmap to the most critical race of the year.


Race Overview

  • Date & Location: Thursday, December 2, 2024, Phoenix International Raceway (Phoenix, Arizona).
  • Distance: 267 miles (427 km) over 267 laps.
  • Playoff Structure: The race features the “Final Four” format, with the top twelve drivers from the playoffs competing for the season‑ending title. The winner of this race claims the championship, while the remaining drivers advance to the playoffs’ final stage.

The event is slated to be the most-watched NASCAR race of the season, drawing in fans worldwide and delivering high‑stakes drama as drivers battle for the coveted cup.


Broadcast Schedule

NASCAR’s television partners have aligned to bring the final to audiences across multiple platforms. The broadcast schedule is as follows:

Time (PT)EventNetworkAdditional Notes
2:00 p.m.Race StartNBC Sports (CBS)Live coverage on NBC and CNBC; streaming on Peacock and the NASCAR Network.
2:00 p.m.Race Start (Delayed)CBS30‑minute delayed broadcast for viewers in the Eastern Time Zone.
2:00 p.m.Live StreamingPeacock, NASCAR Network, and the NASCAR Digital NetworkOn‑demand coverage available after the race.
3:00 p.m.Live HighlightsESPN+1‑hour highlight package for subscribers.
5:30 p.m.Post‑Race AnalysisNBCExpert commentary panel featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Hammond, and Chris Buescher.
7:00 p.m.Recap & Championship AnnounceCBSLate‑night recap and official announcement of the champion.

The broadcast partnership with NBC is a continuation of the current deal that began in 2022, providing comprehensive coverage that spans television, streaming, and digital platforms. Fans can also tune into the NASCAR Network’s dedicated coverage on Peacock, ensuring that all angles—from pit strategy to driver interviews—are captured in real time.


Key Personnel & Production

The championship race will feature a high‑profile commentary team:

  • Lead Analyst: Dale Earnhardt Jr., former champion and popular NASCAR broadcaster, will provide play‑by‑play analysis from the pit lane.
  • Pit Reporter: Chris Buescher, a seasoned reporter and former driver, will give insights directly from the crew, offering a unique perspective on strategy and car performance.
  • Race Control: Jeff Hammond will discuss on‑the‑spot decisions and race control communication, adding depth to the viewer’s understanding of the race’s logistics.

Production will be handled by NBC’s high‑budget “Ultimate Racing” crew, featuring multiple camera angles, augmented‑reality graphics, and behind‑the‑scenes footage. This level of coverage is intended to emulate the excitement and intensity of the in‑person experience for viewers at home.


Additional Coverage & Supplemental Content

In addition to the primary broadcast, NASCAR has partnered with a range of streaming and digital platforms to offer supplementary content:

  • Peacock: Offers full‑event live streaming, instant replay, and on‑demand coverage after the race. Subscribers can also access “Peacock Play‑by‑Play” for a behind‑the‑scenes perspective.
  • NASCAR Digital Network: Provides interactive features such as live polls, driver profiles, and real‑time telemetry data.
  • ESPN+: Delivers a 60‑minute highlight reel that showcases the most pivotal moments of the race, including crashes, lead changes, and the final lap.
  • NASCAR Network on YouTube: Live chat and real‑time social media integration allow fans to engage directly with the race.

The multi‑platform approach ensures that fans can tailor their viewing experience to their preferences, whether they prefer a traditional television format or an interactive streaming service.


Context: 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Calendar

The 2024 Cup Series season features 36 races, with the playoff races spread across the last 16 events. The season schedule is divided among the major broadcasters:

  • Fox: Covers 22 races, primarily the high‑profile weekends and key primetime events.
  • NBC Sports Group: Covers 13 races, including Saturday afternoon races and select Thursday events.
  • ESPN: Broadcasts 1 race, typically the “Daytona 500” or a marquee early‑season event.

The final race in Phoenix is the culmination of the playoff system that began in 2018. NASCAR’s playoff format is designed to keep fans engaged throughout the season, with elimination rounds that narrow the field down to a final group of drivers competing for the championship.


How to Watch

  • Television: Tune in to NBC at 2:00 p.m. PT. For viewers on the East Coast, the delayed broadcast begins at 5:00 p.m. ET.
  • Streaming: Sign up for Peacock or the NASCAR Digital Network for uninterrupted live coverage. ESPN+ subscribers can watch the highlights package at 3:00 p.m. PT.
  • Radio: NASCAR’s official radio coverage is available via the NASCAR Digital Network and local affiliates for listeners who prefer audio.

Fans can also download the official NASCAR app on iOS and Android to receive real‑time updates, driver statistics, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes footage throughout the event.


Final Thoughts

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix International Raceway is more than just a final; it’s a showcase of the sport’s highest drama, technology, and fan engagement. With a meticulously planned broadcast schedule that spans television, streaming, and digital media, NASCAR ensures that every viewer—from the casual fan to the hardcore enthusiast—has a front‑row seat to the showdown that decides the champion. Whether you’re watching from the living room or on the go, the network’s integrated coverage offers a comprehensive, immersive experience that captures the essence of NASCAR’s thrilling finish.


Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nascar/news/nascar-channel-schedule-time-cup-series-championship-race-2024/21b7bb2274a8ccb82dfafc48 ]