What channel is NASCAR on today? TV schedule, start time, live stream for 2025 Martinsville playoff race | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sun, Oct 10th, 2025 by Sporting News

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series is gearing up for a high‑stakes showdown at Martinsville Speedway, a short‑track staple that has become a centerpiece of the playoff landscape. Scheduled for September 23, the Martinsville 400 is the final race of the Round of 12, a critical juncture where the 12 remaining drivers fight to keep their hopes of a championship alive. The event is slated to air on Fox Sports 1, with a live start at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and a pre‑race broadcast beginning at 12:30 p.m. local time. Fans can also stream the action on the Fox Sports app, the Fox Sports Go platform, and the Fox Sports Digital Network, ensuring that the excitement is accessible to viewers across the country, whether they prefer cable or digital streaming.

The race’s broadcast timing reflects NASCAR’s strategic placement of marquee events in the late‑afternoon slot to capture both regional and national audiences. Fox’s coverage includes the full package of pre‑race interviews, pit‑crew analyses, and on‑air commentary from seasoned analysts such as Kevin Harvick, Jeff Gordon, and Kyle Busch, who provide context on how the playoff standings are shifting. In addition to the televised coverage, fans can stream the race in high‑definition video on ESPN+ through a partnership with the NASCAR digital streaming initiative, which offers a separate channel for live Cup Series events. For those using the NASCAR app, the event is also available as a live audio feed and a video stream with real‑time telemetry.

Martinsville Speedway, located in Martinsville, Virginia, is a 0.526‑mile “paperclip” track that demands precise car handling and aggressive strategy. It is the shortest track on the Cup Series calendar and has been a fixture in NASCAR history since its opening in 1947. The track’s tight turns and flat banking produce intense, bumper‑to‑bumper racing, often culminating in dramatic finishes that make the playoffs even more unpredictable. Historical data from the official NASCAR.com Martinsville page indicates that the track has seen a higher incidence of caution laps compared to larger ovals, a factor that makes pit strategy and tire wear crucial during the race.

The 2024 playoff format, outlined on the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs page, features a 16‑driver field that is trimmed through three rounds of competition. Each round consists of three races, with the final race of the round serving as the elimination point. The Martinsville 400’s elimination nature means that at least four drivers will be dropped from the playoffs, depending on their performance, while the top two finishers in the race will secure a spot in the next round. As such, every decision—from drafting choices to pit stop timing—has amplified stakes.

The race’s significance is underscored by its placement after the Talladega and Atlanta playoff events, both of which saw several drivers finishing outside the top 12. This has left the field open for strategic gambles. The front‑row drivers, including Cup Series champions Kyle Busch and Bubba Wallace, will be looking to capitalize on the track’s short‑term racing advantage. Meanwhile, younger entrants such as Chase Briscoe and Cole Custer, who have shown strong form in previous rounds, will seek to leverage the track’s unique characteristics to move up the playoff rankings.

The article also highlights how NASCAR’s partnership with the Fox Sports network has expanded the reach of Cup Series playoffs. Fox’s coverage offers comprehensive pre‑race analysis that ties the current race to the overall playoff storyline. For instance, the article notes that “Fox’s broadcast will feature a segment on the playoff standings, spotlighting drivers who have the most to lose and those who have a chance to clinch a spot in the Championship 4.” This segment is designed to educate casual fans on how playoff points, race finishes, and season standings interact.

In addition to the broadcast information, the article provides logistical details for fans planning to attend the live event. Ticket packages begin at $30 for a general admission pass, with premium seating available for the $200 and $350 tiers. The Martinsville track’s limited capacity of approximately 15,000 seats means that tickets sell quickly, especially for a playoff race, so early purchase is advised. Concessions and merchandise vendors operate throughout the day, and a dedicated fan zone offers interactive exhibits about NASCAR history and driver profiles.

For those who cannot attend in person, the article suggests a few additional viewing options. The NASCAR “RacePass” subscription offers a “live audio” stream that includes on‑the‑track commentary, which is ideal for commuters or fans who prefer an audio‑only experience. Moreover, the “NASCAR Mobile App” provides live timing, race updates, and a feature that allows users to watch the race from the “NASCAR’s virtual booth,” giving fans a behind‑the‑scenes perspective.

The Martinsville 400 is also a cultural touchstone in the broader NASCAR narrative. The track’s long‑standing reputation as a “driver’s track” has produced memorable moments, from the dramatic 2001 “Bobby Labonte” win to the 2015 “Chase Elliott” surprise victory. According to the official track page, the Martinsville 400 is the 12th iteration of the Cup Series race held at the venue, and it carries a distinct tradition of playoff drama that has been echoed in past seasons.

In closing, the 2024 Martinsville playoff race is more than a standard Cup Series event; it is a pivotal point in the championship narrative. With Fox Sports 1 providing nationwide coverage, coupled with multiple digital streaming platforms, fans have a range of options to witness the high‑octane, strategy‑laden racing that defines NASCAR’s playoffs. Whether watching from the comfort of home or the packed stands of Martinsville Speedway, viewers are set to see a battle that will determine the next generation of NASCAR champions.