The Coke Zero Sugar 400 goes green Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, airing live on NBC with streaming available on Peacock. Here's the full race weekend schedule, TV and streaming details, and how to watch if you'd rather be there in person.
Coke Zero Sugar 400 Race Weekend Schedule
| Qualifying | Friday, August 28, 2026, 5:00–6:30 PM ET - TV: truTV |
|---|---|
| Race | Saturday, August 29, 2026 - pre-race coverage from 7:00 PM ET, green flag at 7:30 PM ET |
| Venue | Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL |
| Distance | 160 laps / 400 miles on the 2.5-mile tri-oval |
| TV Network | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock, NBC Sports app; alternate driver-cam angles available on HBO Max |
| Radio | MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio |
There's no practice session on the schedule for this race weekend - the format moves straight from qualifying on Friday into raceday on Saturday.
What Time Does the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Start?
Green flag is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, August 29, 2026. NBC's pre-race coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET, so tune in a half hour early if you want the full lead-up, driver introductions, and pre-race analysis.
What Channel Is the Coke Zero Sugar 400 On?
The race broadcasts live on NBC. If you don't have access to a traditional cable or antenna setup, it's also available to stream through Peacock and the NBC Sports app. HBO Max carries supplemental alternate driver-camera coverage alongside the main broadcast.
Coke Zero Sugar 400 Qualifying Schedule
Qualifying takes place the day before the race, on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM ET, broadcast on truTV. Qualifying sets the starting lineup for Saturday's race and is worth watching in its own right this year, since grid position matters more with the field packed tightly around the playoff cutline.
Is There a Practice Session Before the Race?
No - this race weekend does not include a practice session. The schedule runs directly from Friday qualifying into Saturday's race.
Why This Race Weekend Is Different From a Regular NASCAR Weekend
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, which means the field racing on Saturday night is also setting the 16-driver playoff lineup. It's worth tuning in even if you don't normally watch NASCAR week to week - the stakes at Daytona are higher than a typical August race.
How to Watch in Person
If you'd rather experience the season finale live instead of watching from home, tickets are available for general admission, grandstand, and premium seating at Daytona International Speedway.
You can get tickets and attend in person to see the playoff field get set live, trackside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Coke Zero Sugar 400 start?
Green flag is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with NBC's pre-race coverage beginning at 7:00 PM ET.
What channel is the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on?
The race airs live on NBC, with streaming available through Peacock and the NBC Sports app.
When is Coke Zero Sugar 400 qualifying?
Qualifying is Friday, August 28, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM ET, broadcast on truTV.
Is the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Peacock?
Yes - the race streams live on Peacock and the NBC Sports app alongside the NBC broadcast.
Can't catch it on TV? Compare tickets and watch it live at Daytona.
