How to Watch the NASCAR Bank of America 400 at Charlotte on DIRECTV: Start Time, Channel and Streaming
The NASCAR Cup Series Chase comes home to North Carolina. The Bank of America 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, which is DIRECTV channel 242.
This year's race is back on the 1.5-mile oval, not the Roval. It's the first fall Cup race on the Charlotte oval since October 2017, after the series used the road-course Roval layout from 2018 through 2025.
Quick answer
- Race: Bank of America 400, NASCAR Cup Series
- When: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 3 p.m. ET (noon PT)
- TV: USA Network, DIRECTV channel 242
- Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile oval, Concord, North Carolina
- Distance: 267 laps, 400.5 miles
- Radio: PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
What channel is the Bank of America 400 on DIRECTV?
The race is on USA Network, channel 242. USA Network comes with every DIRECTV Signature package, starting with ENTERTAINMENT, so most DIRECTV customers already have it. Enter 2-4-2 on your remote or search "NASCAR" in the guide. For more, see what channel USA is on DIRECTV.
USA's prerace show starts at 2:30 p.m. ET. Set a recording if you can't watch live, and add extra time at the end in case the race runs long.
Can't find USA Network in your lineup? Call 1-855-690-9884.
How to stream the race
- DIRECTV app: stream USA Network live on a phone, tablet or streaming device if it's in your package.
- HBO Max: NASCAR lists HBO Max as a streaming option for this race. Our page on HBO Max on DIRECTV explains how HBO Max works with your account.
Charlotte NASCAR weekend TV schedule
All three national series race at Charlotte this weekend. Times are Eastern; networks are from published TV listings, so confirm in your guide.
| Day | Event | Time (ET) | TV | DIRECTV channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Oct. 9 | Craftsman Truck Series practice | 1 p.m. | FS2 | 618 |
| Fri., Oct. 9 | Craftsman Truck Series qualifying | 2:05 p.m. | FS2 | 618 |
| Fri., Oct. 9 | Truck Series: Ecosave 200 | 5 p.m. | FOX | Local FOX |
| Sat., Oct. 10 | Cup Series practice | 1 p.m. | truTV | 246 |
| Sat., Oct. 10 | Cup Series qualifying | 2:05 p.m. | truTV | 246 |
| Sat., Oct. 10 | O'Reilly Auto Parts Series: Blue Cross NC 300 | 4 p.m. | The CW | Local CW |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | Cup Series prerace | 2:30 p.m. | USA Network | 242 |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | Cup Series: Bank of America 400 | 3 p.m. | USA Network | 242 |
FS2 is included with ULTIMATE and PREMIER. FOX and The CW are local stations, so the channel number depends on your market. See what channel FS2 is on DIRECTV and what channel truTV is on DIRECTV.
Where the Chase stands
- Race 6 of 10: the Bank of America 400 is the sixth of 10 races in The Chase and the 32nd points race of the 2026 Cup season.
- Points leader: Kyle Larson leads the championship by 40 points over Denny Hamlin at the halfway mark of The Chase, after finishing second at Las Vegas.
- Intermediate stretch: Charlotte is the Cup Series' third consecutive race on an intermediate track.
- Field: 39 cars are entered, including three non-chartered entries: Corey Heim in the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota, Gray Gaulding in the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford and NY Racing Team's No. 44 Chevrolet.
More to watch Sunday
Racing all day Sunday? Our USA Network on DIRECTV guide covers what else airs on channel 242, and the NFL Week 5 TV schedule has the afternoon football games that overlap the race.
Want USA Network, FS2 and the rest of your racing channels in one place? Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Bank of America 400 start?
The race is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT, noon PT) on Sunday, October 11, 2026. USA Network's prerace show starts at 2:30 p.m. ET.
What channel is the NASCAR race on DIRECTV?
The Bank of America 400 is on USA Network, DIRECTV channel 242. USA Network is included in every Signature package, starting with ENTERTAINMENT.
Is the Charlotte fall race on the Roval this year?
No. The 2026 Bank of America 400 is on Charlotte Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile oval. It's the first fall Cup race on the oval since 2017; the Roval was used from 2018 through 2025.
How long is the Bank of America 400?
It's 267 laps on the 1.5-mile oval, or 400.5 miles.
Can I stream the Bank of America 400?
Yes. DIRECTV customers can stream USA Network live in the DIRECTV app if it's in their package, and NASCAR lists HBO Max as a streaming option.
Need USA Network before the green flag? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 6, 2026. Race times, TV networks and streaming options are set by NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway and the networks and may change, including for weather. Points standings reflect races through Las Vegas. Channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. NASCAR, USA Network, HBO Max, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.