The NASCAR Cup Series enters a critical phase with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 13, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. This event marks the cutoff race for the Round of 16 Playoffs, where the four lowest-ranked drivers will be eliminated, intensifying the battle for a place in the next round.
Pre-race coverage airs at 7 p.m. ET with Countdown to Green, setting the stage for what promises to be a tense showdown. The historic Bristol race under the lights has long been one of the most anticipated contests on the NASCAR calendar, known for its electrifying atmosphere and strategic racing challenges.
Playoff Standings and Key Contenders on the Bubble
Coming into this decisive event, Denny Hamlin, who recently secured his progression by winning the World Wide Technology Raceway race, sits near the top of the playoff leaderboard alongside Darlington winner Chase Briscoe. Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, and Ryan Blaney complete the top five, with Larson entering as the defending winner of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.
Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Alex Bowman are currently on the bubble, facing immense pressure to perform if they hope to avoid elimination. These drivers must deliver strong performances to secure their place in the Round of 12.
Experienced Broadcast Team to Call the Action
NBC Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the race, featuring a seasoned broadcast team. Leigh Diffey leads play-by-play commentary, supported by analysts Jeff Burton, known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR and a 21-time Cup Series winner, and Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte. Marty Snider, Kim Coon, Dave Burns, and Trevor Bayne, the 2011 Daytona 500 winner, report from the pits to deliver real-time insights.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett will anchor special coverage from the Peacock Pit Box, joining Marty Snider for pre- and post-race commentary. Jarrett himself has history at Bristol, having won the night race in 1997, while Burton previously won the Food City 500 at Bristol in 2008—the final race of Jarrett’s career.
Historic Atmosphere Amplified by Legendary Intros and Broadcast
The race weekend also features special moments as Rusty Wallace, a nine-time Bristol winner and NASCAR Hall of Famer, will open with the race introduction. This addition adds further weight to the prestigious event atmosphere. Michael Buffer, the famed ring announcer, will provide driver introductions, amplifying the excitement before engines roar to life.
NBC Sports will carry the remaining 14 races of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season live, concluding with the championship race at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Fans can also follow live practice and qualifying coverage on truTV starting Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
How to Watch Wednesday’s Practices and Saturday’s Race Coverage
NASCAR enthusiasts can tune into the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on USA Network at 7:30 p.m. ET. Live streams will be available through NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, offering fans flexible viewing options. The weekend’s broadcast lineup ensures viewers are fully engaged throughout the race build-up and post-race analysis.
SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs Also Heat Up in St. Louis
On the same day as the Bristol race, the penultimate round of the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs takes place at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. This event marks the first postseason race ever held at this venue.
Jett Lawrence, the defending two-time SMX World Champion, won the opening round in Charlotte with a commanding performance, leading start to finish. Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac followed in the 450 Class, while Haiden Deegan, another two-time champion, triumphed in the 250 Class, with Seth Hammaker and Jo Shimoda closing the podium.
Expert Commentary and Full Coverage Details for SuperMotocross Fans
SuperMotocross coverage includes commentary by Jason Weigandt, alongside 15-time AMA champion Ricky Carmichael and seven-time AMA champion James Stewart. Reporters Will Christien and Jason Thomas provide trackside updates, while pre-race insights come from Adam Cianciarulo, Justin Brayton, Steven “Lurch” Scott, and Haley Shanley.
Qualifying airs live at 1:30 p.m. ET on Peacock, with all races, qualifying sessions, and on-demand replays streaming on Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms. SiriusXM NBC Sports Audio channel 85 offers audio coverage for fans on the go.
The Stakes and What Lies Ahead in NASCAR and SuperMotocross Playoffs
The NASCAR Cup Series Bristol Playoffs cutoff race represents a turning point for drivers on the brink, as the outcome will shape the starting lineup for the next round and intensify the competition for the championship. Eliminations will sharpen the focus on top contenders like Hamlin, Briscoe, and Larson while forcing drivers on the bubble to fight hard for survival.
Meanwhile, the SuperMotocross World Championship‘s penultimate round at a new venue underscores the sport’s expanding footprint and the fierce rivalry among elite riders. With pivotal points on the line, both racing events this Saturday promise high tension and thrilling competition for fans following the playoffs.
