The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs continue this Sunday, September 28, with the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, airing live at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network. Pre-race coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET with the show Countdown to Green. This event is the second race in the Round of 12, where the winner will secure a place in the Round of 8, increasing stakes for drivers still competing for advancement in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
After Sunday’s race, the final Round of 12 race will take place on October 5 in Charlotte, where the bottom four drivers in the playoff rankings will be eliminated from the championship contention. This makes the Hollywood Casino 400 critical for playoff drivers to strengthen their positions and avoid elimination.
Current Standings and Key Competitors Entering Kansas
Ryan Blaney recently clinched his spot in the Round of 8 by winning the prior race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Denny Hamlin follow closely in the rankings. Hamlin, notable for recent on-track contact with his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs, remains a key figure in the playoff battle. Ross Chastain, who won last year’s Hollywood Casino 400, is currently on the playoff bubble, facing pressure to advance.
Broadcast Team and Coverage Format
The race commentary will be delivered by NBC Sports’ experienced motorsports team, featuring play-by-play announcer Leigh Diffey alongside analysts Jeff Burton, known as “The Mayor” of NASCAR with 21 Cup Series wins, and Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte. The reporting team on pit road includes Marty Snider, Kim Coon, and Dave Burns.
Pre-race coverage will be hosted by Marty Snider alongside Burton and Letarte. After the race, Diffey will return to host analysis and discussion with Burton and Letarte on USA Network. In addition to television broadcast, viewers can stream live coverage via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Practice and qualifying sessions will be available on truTV starting Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
Media Engagement and Upcoming Conference Call
To preview the playoff cutoff race in Charlotte and discuss the postseason’s outlook, NBC Sports will hold a media conference call on Tuesday, September 30, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte, and Dale Jarrett will participate in this call, which offers media members an opportunity to gain insights into the ongoing playoff battles and the evolving championship landscape. Interested media can access the conference by dialing 786-697-3501 with the passcode NBC Sports.
Additional Features and Broadcast Highlights
This weekend’s broadcast will include “By the Numbers,” a new NBC Sports segment profiling drivers with each of the remaining playoff numbers, continuing its debut from last week’s New Hampshire race. Actor P.J. Byrne, currently starring in USA Network’s legal drama The Rainmaker and known for roles in films like The Wolf of Wall Street and Green Book, provides the voice for this segment.
NBC Sports is the official home of the NASCAR Championship and Playoffs in 2025, presenting the final 14 races of the NASCAR Cup Series across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. The season will culminate with the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway on November 2, featuring the sport’s top drivers competing for the championship title.
How to Watch the NASCAR Playoff Races
Fans can watch the Hollywood Casino 400 and other NASCAR Cup Series Playoff races live on USA Network. Streaming options include NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, providing accessible coverage across multiple platforms to engage viewers throughout the postseason.
“The second of three races in the Round of 12, this Sunday’s race will see the winning driver clinch their spot into the Round of 8.” – NBC Sports
“Ryan Blaney won last week’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway to advance to the Round of 8.” – NBC Sports
“Diffey, Burton, Letarte, and Dale Jarrett to Conduct Media Conference Call in Advance of Charlotte Cutoff Race this Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m. ET.” – NBC Sports
