How to watch the NASCAR playoffs at Bristol today without cable - CNET

NASCAR returned to the track in May after suspending its season in March as the coronavirus spread. After a summer of racing, NASCAR's playoffs are here. Sixteen drivers qualified for the playoffs based the Cup Series standings. 

Today's race is the Bass Pro Shops Night Race and coverage starts Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) on NBCSN. The action takes place at the Bristol Motor Raceway in Bristol, Tennessee, and you can watch it live on any of the streaming services listed above.

Bristol is the third race in the playoffs. Kevin Harvick won the first at Darlington and Brad Keselowski took the checkered flag last week at Richmond. The field will narrow to 12 drivers after today's race ends. After three more races the field will be cut to eight, and then three more races will determine the final four. Those four drivers will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race in Arizona on Nov. 8.

Here's what else you need to know to watch the racin' and rubbin' this weekend.

Which drivers are in the NASCAR playoffs?

Here are the 16 drivers in the race for the Cup Series championship:

  • Kevin Harvick
  • Denny Hamlin
  • Martin Truex Jr.
  • Chase Elliott
  • Brad Keselowski
  • Kyle Busch
  • Joey Logano
  • Ryan Blaney
  • Aric Almirola
  • Kurt Busch
  • Alex Bowman
  • William Byron
  • Clint Bowyer
  • Matt DiBenedetto
  • Cole Custer
  • Austin Dillon
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After the first two playoff races, Kevin Harvick leads the pack in NASCAR's playoffs.

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

How to watch NASCAR without cable

NASCAR's playoff began on Sept. 6 and a champion will be crowned after the last race on Nov. 8. You can view the full NASCAR schedule here. 

If you don't have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch the race with one of the live TV services below. NASCAR's playoffs are being shown on NBC and NBCSN. The good news for race fans is that both channels are available on each streaming service. The catch is that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries NBC in your area.

If you live in an area with good reception, you can watch the races broadcast on NBC for free on over-the-air broadcast channels just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.

Read moreYouTube TV hiked its price to $65. Sling TV and Hulu are the best alternatives

Sling TV's $30-a-month Blue plan includes NBC and NBCSN. Enter your address here to see which local channels are available where you live. Read our Sling TV review.

All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our massive streaming services guide.

Read more: The best racing wheels and pedals for iRacing and your budget  

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