How to Watch the Freeway Insurance 500
NASCAR Cup Series · Phoenix Raceway · AZ · Sunday, October 18, 2026. Here's the start time, TV channel and live stream.
▶ Watch on USA Network- EventFreeway Insurance 500
- SeriesNASCAR Cup Series
- DateSunday, October 18, 2026
- Start time3:00 PM ET (your local time on the live schedule)
- TrackPhoenix Raceway, AZ (a 1.022-mile asphalt oval)
- Watch onUSA Network ↗Subscription
How to watch NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway
The Freeway Insurance 500 — a NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway in AZ — is set for Sunday, October 18, 2026, with coverage around 3:00 PM ET. NASCAR Cup Series airs on USA Network on cable and streams live on Peacock.
On TV: the Freeway Insurance 500 airs on USA Network on cable and satellite from about 3:00 PM ET ET.
Streaming: watch live on Peacock, plus YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
Tap Watch on USA Network to go straight to the broadcast. For the full week of racing across every series — with times auto-converted to your local zone — see the complete schedule or today's watch guide.
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About the Freeway Insurance 500
Phoenix's fall Cup Series race debuted in 1988 as the Checker 500, won by Alan Kulwicki for his first career Cup victory. From 2020 through 2025 the race served as the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race, deciding the title each November. With the finale moving to Homestead-Miami for 2026, the race takes the Freeway Insurance 500 name and opens the Round of 8 of the playoffs.
Freeway Insurance 500 — key facts
Past Freeway Insurance 500 winners
| 2025 | Ryan Blaney |
| 2024 | Joey Logano |
| 2023 | Ross Chastain |
| 2022 | Joey Logano |
| 2021 | Kyle Larson |
The 2020-2025 runnings doubled as the championship finale.
About Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix Raceway is a low-banked, roughly one-mile paved oval in Avondale, Arizona, known for the distinctive dogleg on its frontstretch. It has hosted NASCAR, IndyCar and CART racing since opening in 1964. Formerly known as Phoenix International Raceway and ISM Raceway.
Since 2020 it has hosted NASCAR's season-ending championship weekend.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Freeway Insurance 500 start?
The Freeway Insurance 500 (NASCAR Cup Series) is scheduled for about 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Times are US Eastern — the live schedule at RacingOnTV.net converts them to your local zone.
What channel is the Freeway Insurance 500 on?
The Freeway Insurance 500 airs on USA Network on cable and streams live on Peacock.
Is the Freeway Insurance 500 on TV?
Yes — the Freeway Insurance 500 is on TV. It airs on USA Network on cable and satellite, with coverage from about 3:00 PM ET on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and also streams live on Peacock, plus YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
Where can I watch the Freeway Insurance 500?
Watch the Freeway Insurance 500 on USA Network — on TV (USA Network on cable and satellite) or streaming on Peacock, plus YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV. Use the Watch button above to go straight to the broadcast on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
How can I stream the Freeway Insurance 500 live?
You can stream it on Peacock, plus YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
Where is the Freeway Insurance 500 held?
The race is at Phoenix Raceway in AZ, a 1.022-mile asphalt oval.
Who won the Freeway Insurance 500 last time?
Ryan Blaney is the defending winner of the Freeway Insurance 500.
How long is the Freeway Insurance 500?
The Freeway Insurance 500 is run over 312 laps (312 miles).
When was the first Freeway Insurance 500?
The inaugural Freeway Insurance 500 was held in 1988.
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