While TV and streaming dominate how fans watch races today, radio remains one of the most cost-effective and immersive ways for fans to follow NASCAR. So, here’s how you can listen to NASCAR live on the radio.
NASCAR’s radio coverage is primarily handled by two long-standing networks, the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and the Performance Racing Network (PRN). These two networks work alongside two others to produce the entire NASCAR National Series season.
MRN, often called “The Voice of NASCAR,” covers a majority of the schedule, including many Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at tracks owned or leased by NASCAR, such as Daytona International Speedway or Pocono Raceway.
PRN, meanwhile, handles a select group of events, with races at tracks owned or leased by Speedway Motorsports, such as Bristol Motor Speedway and Circuit of the Americas. The network also complements MRN’s schedule with its own broadcast team and style.
NRN, the NASCAR Radio Network, uses a combined staff from both MRN and PRN to cover the entirety of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule, no matter the track or venue.
The fourth network, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, only covers one race weekend a year, with live broadcasts of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and Cup Series races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
In addition, each network provides full race coverage, including pre-race shows, live race calls, and post-race analysis for racing aficionados.
Listening to NASCAR on the radio is easier than ever, thanks to free online streaming. The online live streams for both MRN and NRN can be found on MRN.com, and PRN’s broadcasts stream live on PRN’s website goprn.com.
These streams can be accessed on a phone, laptop, or tablet, making it easy to follow the race from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
For those with the NASCAR App, the broadcasts are available in the race day hub under the headset icon for free.
In addition to online streaming, both MRN and PRN broadcasts are carried by local radio affiliates across the United States, allowing fans to listen through traditional AM/FM stations depending on their location.
Each network offers a list of local affiliates for traditional listening. For those not within range of an affiliate, all NASCAR radio broadcasts, no matter what network broadcasts them, air live on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Most fans agree that a race on the radio just hits differently than TV.
Instead of seeing the action, you hear it unfold in real time, with announcers spread around the track calling every move as it happens. It gives you a real sense of speed and chaos, especially during tight battles, letting your imagination do the rest.
For longtime fans, it brings back that old-school feel of following races through pure commentary. And if you can’t sit down and watch, it’s an easy way to stay locked in. Either way, it’s still one of the best ways to keep up with every lap.
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