The NASCAR Cup Series will hold its crucial cutoff race this Saturday, August 23, at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. This <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR Cup Series Daytona Cutoff event marks the final chance for drivers to secure one of the last two available spots in the 2025 playoffs, as 14 of the 16 participants have already clinched their positions. Fans can tune in early at 7 p.m. ET for the “Countdown to Green” pre-race coverage.
Daytona’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 has become the focal point for drivers on the playoff bubble, including Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman, who are vying to advance either through points or a race victory. This critical race sets the stage for the postseason, which will officially commence with the playoffs at Darlington on August 31.
Playoff Picture and Drivers Battling for Advancement
Heading into the weekend, 14 drivers have already locked in playoff berths by virtue of their points standings or race wins this season, leaving two spots open for contention. Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman currently hold these last two playoff places, but pressure is mounting as other drivers remain in mathematical contention to claim a spot by outperforming on Saturday night.
Alex Bowman, who finished ninth in the previous Richmond race, and Tyler Reddick must deliver strong performances to maintain or improve their standings against challengers. With the top 16 drivers set to advance to the playoffs, every position matters during the Daytona cutoff race.
William Byron, earlier winner of this year’s Daytona 500, continues to be a strong contender during the regular season, currently enjoying a points lead. Meanwhile, recent race winner Austin Dillon placed 25th last weekend but remains among the competitors watching the points chase carefully.
Experienced Broadcast Team to Cover the Action
NBC Sports will provide comprehensive live coverage guided by seasoned announcers and analysts. The broadcast team includes Leigh Diffey on play-by-play commentary, alongside 21-time Cup Series race winner Jeff Burton, known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR, and Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte. Pit reporters Marty Snider, Dave Burns, Kim Coon, and Parker Kligerman will provide updates from the track.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett and Hyak Motorsports co-owner Brad Daugherty will lead studio analysis from the Peacock Pit Box, hosting pre- and post-race segments with Marty Snider. Jarrett’s experience winning this race in 1999 and his three Daytona 500 victories (1993, 1996, 2000) offer valuable context, while Letarte’s 2014 Daytona 500 win as crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. enhances the expert insights.
Expanded NBC Sports NASCAR Coverage Through Season’s End
NBC Sports remains the official home for NASCAR’s Championship and Playoffs, presenting the final 14 races of the 2025 Cup Series on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. Following Daytona, the playoffs begin at Darlington on August 31, culminating with the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway on November 2.
Qualifying for the Daytona cutoff race will be broadcast live on truTV on Friday starting at 5:05 p.m. ET, ensuring fans have full access to pre-race action. Fans can watch the race on NBC television or stream via Peacock, NBCSports.com, or the NBC Sports app.
Pro Motocross Final Race to Air Live from Budds Creek
On the same day as the NASCAR cutoff, NBC Sports will air the final Pro Motocross race of the 2025 SMX World Championship and regular season, beginning at 1 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. The event will take place at Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, Maryland.
In the 250 Class, Haiden Deegan leads Jo Shimoda by 43 points, with Garrett Marchbanks in third place. Deegan is chasing his second consecutive 250 Class championship this weekend. The 450 Class champion, Jett Lawrence, who recently secured his title after surgery earlier this year, headlines the premier category. His brother, Hunter Lawrence, holds a 45-point lead over Eli Tomac for second place, potentially setting up a historic sibling one-two finish in the championship standings.
NBC Sports’ motocross coverage will be led by play-by-play announcer Jason Weigandt and seven-time AMA champion analyst James Stewart, supported by reporters Jason Thomas and Haley Shanley. Qualifying coverage kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Peacock, with all live races and qualifying sessions streamed on the platform throughout the season. SiriusXM NBC Sports Audio Channel 85 offers live event audio coverage for fans on the go.
IMSA WeatherTech Michelin GT Challenge Scheduled at Virginia International Raceway
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship continues on Sunday, August 24, with the Michelin GT Challenge at Virginia International Raceway, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock. The race features the GT Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) and GT Daytona (GTD) classes competing on the 3.27-mile, 17-turn road course in Alton, Virginia.
Corvette Racing’s No. 3 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R currently leads the points standings with a 30-point advantage over the No. 81 DragonSpeed Ferrari 296 GT3, which has recorded three consecutive wins. AO Racing, the defending champion team, sits third in the rankings. The race will last approximately two hours and 40 minutes.
Broadcasting the event will be NBC Sports’ Brian Till with analyst and former IMSA GT driver Calvin Fish. Pit reporters Matt Yocum and Chris Wilner will provide trackside updates. Peacock remains the streaming partner for the full WeatherTech Championship season, offering flag-to-flag live coverage as well as exclusive segments from endurance events like the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Significance and Expectations Following the Daytona Cutoff
The NASCAR Cup Series Daytona cutoff race stands as a pivotal moment of the season, setting the tone for the playoffs as drivers battle to secure the final slots in the postseason competition. With two remaining positions up for grabs, the race promises heightened intensity and drama as contenders push for every point and opportunity.
This race’s outcome will shape the playoff field, pushing those on the bubble to execute flawless performances to continue their championship pursuit. Moreover, NASCAR fans gain access to expert commentary and insider perspectives, enhancing engagement and understanding of the stakes involved.
Following Daytona, the rapid transition to the playoff opener at Darlington signifies a critical phase in the championship chase, with NBC Sports providing continuous coverage to maintain excitement throughout the remaining races, including the season-ending championship at Phoenix Raceway.
