One of the most hotly anticipated races of the season is almost upon us this weekend at Chicago. The Chicago Street Race is the first street race in NASCAR history, and it is set to be must-watch TV for one reason or another. Here is how to watch NASCAR in Chicago this weekend.
When: Saturday, July 1st, 4 PM ET
Where to Watch: USA OR on the NBC Sports App
Where to Listen: Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 OR on your local MRN affiliate (Find your local affiliate here)
What to Watch for: No Cup Series regulars are allowed to race in the Xfinity Series this weekend, but Team Trackhouse owner Justin Marks is on the entry list for Kaulig Racing. A total of 43 cars are entered for the 38 car field, meaning that five cars will go home after qualifying. The Playoff bubble is much more spread out than the Cup Series with five drivers within one race of the final spot as follows: Sam Mayer (+58), Riley Herbst (+45), Daniel Hemric (+28), Parker Kligerman (-28), and Brandon Jones (-51).
When: Sunday, July 2nd, 5:30 PM ET
Where to Watch: NBC OR Streaming on Peacock
Where to Listen: Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 OR on your local MRN affiliate (Find your local affiliate here)
What to Watch For: This is one of the biggest wild cards in the regular season with the Playoffs only nine races away, and road course ringers like A.J. Allmendinger, Chase Elliott, and Michael McDowell view this weekend as an opportunity. The Playoff bubble is still incredibly tight with eight drivers within one race of the final spot as follows: Bubba Wallace (+30), Daniel Suarez (+2), Alex Bowman (-2), Ty Gibbs (-10), A.J. Allmendinger (-24), Michael McDowell (-27), Corey LaJoie (-45), Austin Cindric (-51), Justin Haley (-55). A few notable entries are in this race including seven-time Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson, 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, Australian Supercars star Shan Van Gisbergen in Project 91, and road course ringer Andy Lally.
NASCAR is set for its’ first ever street race this weekend, and it is going to be something to watch. Who will take home NASCAR’s first street race trophies?
As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season gets underway, The Daily Downforce is once again tracking how fans feel about race broadcasts throughout the year, just as we did last year. This ratings tracker exists to capture fan feedback in a clear, consistent way across the entire season for each TV partner.
After each Cup Series race weekend, we will post a fan poll asking one simple question: “How would you rate this weekend’s Cup Series broadcast?” And fans can vote and comment based on their overall viewing experience. This article will be updated weekly with the most recent race’s numbers added to the tracker.
Participation is quick and open to everyone.
| Week | Network | Race | Votes | Good | Average | Bad | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FOX | Bowman Gray Clash | 368 | 16% | 43% | 42% | Check the Poll HERE |
| 2 | FOX | Daytona 500 | 989 | 42% | 46% | 12% | Check the Poll HERE |
Remember to follow The Daily Downforce on X to catch each weekly poll, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.
A new trailer revealed that NASCAR will be a part of The Crew Motorfest’s upcoming free season 9 update.
Will you be playing The Crew for this new update? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Denny Hamlin defends Riley Herbst, Brad Keselowski is furious, and Kyle Busch leaves everyone debating what it means to truly compete for a Daytona 500. The final lap at Daytona International Speedway sparked multiple completely different controversies that say a lot about modern superspeedway racing.
At superspeedways, instinct rules everything. Herbst reacted late, Keselowski paid the price, and Hamlin backed his guy. Meanwhile, Busch lifted from 25th, avoided the wreck, and gained ten spots, a move that looks smart in hindsight but could have backfired badly. In a new points-heavy format, are drivers thinking differently? We break down both moments, what they really mean, and whether everyone involved might actually have a point. Plus, early Cup Series power rankings to wrap it up.
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