How to Catch the Bass Pro Shops Night Race Live – Free Streams, TV Info & What to Watch For

Tonight the NASCAR Cup Series rolls into Bristol for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, and if you’re anything like most fans, you’ve already set a reminder on your phone. The green flag drops at 6:30 p.m. Central Time on USA Network, but you don’t have to be glued to a living‑room TV to catch every lap.

First off, there’s a surprisingly easy way to stream the race for free: sign up for a five‑day trial of DIRECTV Stream. Yep, you can watch the entire event on your laptop, tablet, or phone without spending a dime—just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you’re not ready to subscribe.

If you’ve already used that trial or prefer a more straightforward monthly plan, Sling TV’s $35‑a‑month “Blue” package includes USA Network, so you’ll be good to go there as well. It’s affordable enough that most fans consider it a worthwhile monthly expense just for the occasional race.

Now, about the action on the track. Denny Hamlin is currently perched at the top of the standings with 2,168 points, and he’s been nothing short of relentless this season—four wins, 18 top‑10 finishes, and a recent ninth‑place finish that still netted him 33 points. Expect Hamlin to be a focal point of the night’s strategy discussions.

Hot on his heels is Kyle Larson, sitting just nine points back in second place. Larson’s momentum is still humming; he grabbed a win last week for a hefty 73‑point haul and has chalked up back‑to‑back top‑5 finishes. With the night race’s slick, gritty surface at Bristol, Larson could easily flip the script and snatch the lead.

If you’re wondering where else you can keep tabs on the race, the official NASCAR YouTube channel often streams highlights and post‑race breakdowns. And for those who love a good recap, the “NASCAR Cup Series Highlights | 2026 World Wide Technology Raceway” video is already up and ready to watch.

So, set your alarm, grab your snack, and decide whether you’ll go the free‑trial route with DIRECTV or opt for Sling’s modest monthly fee. Either way, you won’t miss the high‑octane drama that only a night race at Bristol can deliver.