The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs 2025 commence this Sunday, August 31, at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina with the iconic Cook Out Southern 500. The race, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live on USA Network, with pre-race coverage beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET featuring the show Countdown to Green. This event, part of NASCAR’s prestigious Crown Jewel races, challenges drivers both physically and mentally on a uniquely demanding track.
Top Drivers and Playoff Field Enter High-Stakes Competition
The 2025 Playoffs open the Round of 16, where the lowest four drivers will be cut after the first three races. Leading the standings at the start of the Playoffs are Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney—fresh off a dramatic win in last week’s regular-season finale at Daytona—and Christopher Bell. Shane van Gisbergen, named 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, will make his debut in this fiercely competitive playoff field, looking to build on an impressive rookie campaign.
Experienced Broadcast Team to Bring the Race to Life
The broadcast will be called by seasoned NBC Sports commentators Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton—also known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR with 21 Cup Series wins—and Steve Letarte, a former Daytona 500-winning crew chief. Marty Snider, Dave Burns, and Kim Coon will provide pit reporting throughout the event. Dale Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer with three Darlington wins, will host coverage from the Peacock Pit Box alongside Snider for pre- and post-race analysis.
Historical Context Adds Depth to the Competition
Both Jarrett and Burton bring noteworthy Darlington credentials, with Jarrett winning here in 1997, 1998, and 2001, and Burton sweeping both races in 1999. Joey Logano enters the Playoffs as the three-time defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, joined by former Cup champions Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott among the 16 drivers competing. Chase Briscoe returns as the defending winner of the Southern Cook Out 500.
Enhanced Viewing Experience with Innovative Coverage Features
This week’s broadcast incorporates advanced camera technologies, including overhead pit cameras, spotter cameras, and pit box cameras, designed to offer viewers unprecedented access to race dynamics and the tension of playoff battles. Additionally, Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker will contribute to the broadcast by providing the voice for Command Central, adding a unique element to the event’s presentation.
NBC Sports to Cover Final NASCAR Races Through Championship
As the official home for the NASCAR Championship and Playoffs, NBC Sports will televise the remaining 14 NASCAR Cup Series races of 2025, spanning NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. The season will conclude with the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Fans can watch practice and qualifying sessions live on truTV, starting Saturday at 9 a.m. ET, ahead of the key playoff action at Darlington.
Where to Watch and Broadcast Details
The race and associated programming will be available on USA Network, with streaming options accessible via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. The broadcast team includes Leigh Diffey on play-by-play duties, analysts Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte, and pit reporters Dave Burns, Kim Coon, and Parker Kligerman. Pre- and post-race studio coverage will be hosted by Marty Snider alongside NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett providing expert analysis.
Upcoming NASCAR Events Surrounding the Playoffs
Next weekend, the SuperMotocross World Championship kicks off at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte on September 6, with live coverage airing on NBC and Peacock. Additionally, unique events like New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte waving the green flag at the inaugural NASCAR Hauler Parade through downtown Concord add to the growing excitement surrounding the NASCAR season.
“Marty Snider will host pre- and post-race coverage alongside Jarrett.” —NBC Sports Release
“The broadcast will be called by seasoned NBC Sports commentators Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton—also known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR with 21 Cup Series wins—and Steve Letarte.” —NBC Sports Release
“This week’s broadcast will incorporate the use of overhead pit cameras, spotter cameras, and pit box cameras to bring viewers closer to the action and create a unique experience that spotlights the intensity and drama of a playoff race.” —NBC Sports Release
“Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker will be voicing Command Central.” —NBC Sports Release
Significance and What Lies Ahead for NASCAR Playoffs
The start of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs 2025 represents an important turning point in the season, where every race significantly impacts the pursuit of the championship. The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington sets a thrilling tone for the Round of 16, testing the drivers’ endurance and skill on a historic course. With some of the sport’s top champions and rising stars competing, the playoffs promise intense competition and dramatic moments that will captivate fans through the fall, culminating in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
