How to Watch the NASCAR Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix on DIRECTV: Start Time, Channel and Streaming
The NASCAR Cup Series Chase heads to the desert this weekend. The Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway is Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, which is DIRECTV channel 242. Green flag is noon local time in Avondale, Arizona.
Phoenix is the seventh of 10 races in The Chase and the 33rd of 36 points races on the 2026 Cup calendar. Unlike recent seasons, Phoenix isn't the title race this year, so the one-mile track is a chance for drivers to gain ground before the final three weeks.
What channel is the Freeway Insurance 500 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.
Set a recording if you can't watch live, and add extra time at the end in case of cautions or overtime. 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 the race. Our page on HBO Max on DIRECTV explains how HBO Max works with your account.
- Radio: MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio channel 90 carry the race live.
Phoenix NASCAR weekend TV schedule
All three national series race at Phoenix from Friday, October 16, through Sunday. Times are Eastern and come from published race-weekend listings, so confirm in your guide.
| Day | Event | Time (ET) | TV | DIRECTV channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Oct. 16 | Craftsman Truck Series practice and qualifying | 3:30 p.m. | FS2 | 618 |
| Fri., Oct. 16 | Truck Series: Zero Carbon Bioethanol 150 | 7:30 p.m. | FS2 and FOX Business | FS2 618; check guide for FOX Business |
| Sat., Oct. 17 | O'Reilly Auto Parts Series practice and qualifying | 2 p.m. | ESPN Unlimited | Streaming; not ESPN channel 206 |
| Sat., Oct. 17 | Cup Series practice | 4:30 p.m. | truTV | 246 |
| Sat., Oct. 17 | Cup Series qualifying | 5:35 p.m. | truTV | 246 |
| Sat., Oct. 17 | O'Reilly Auto Parts Series: Timberland PRO 200 | 7:30 p.m. | The CW and ESPN Unlimited | Local CW; ESPN Unlimited is streaming |
| Sun., Oct. 18 | Cup Series: Freeway Insurance 500 | 3 p.m. | USA Network | 242 |
FS2 is included with ULTIMATE and PREMIER. ESPN Unlimited is a streaming service, not ESPN channel 206. The CW is a local station, 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 before Phoenix
The 2026 Chase is a 16-driver, 10-race run with no eliminations, and the driver with the most points after the finale is champion. Chase Briscoe won last week's Bank of America 400 at Charlotte and moved up two spots to fourth. Here's the top of the standings heading to Phoenix.
| Pos. | Driver | Car | Points behind leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Larson | No. 5 | Leader (2,367) |
| 2 | Denny Hamlin | No. 11 | 49 |
| 3 | Christopher Bell | No. 20 | 51 |
| 4 | Chase Briscoe | No. 19 | 65 |
| 5 | Ryan Blaney | No. 12 | 85 |
| 6 | Joey Logano | No. 22 | 92 |
| 7 | Tyler Reddick | No. 45 | 114 |
| 8 | Austin Cindric | No. 2 | 145 |
Ryan Blaney has won the last two Cup races at Phoenix, including this spring's race over Christopher Bell, and comes in with three straight top-five finishes. Larson grew his lead from 40 to 49 points at Charlotte even though he finished sixth.
More to watch Sunday
The race overlaps the NFL's Sunday-afternoon window, so if you want both, record one or use the DIRECTV app on a second screen. Our NFL Week 6 TV schedule lists every game and channel. Missed last week? Catch up with our Bank of America 400 at Charlotte guide, and the USA Network on DIRECTV guide covers what else airs on channel 242.
Want USA Network, FS2 and truTV in one lineup? Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Freeway Insurance 500 start?
The race is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (noon in Phoenix, noon PT) on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
What channel is the Phoenix NASCAR race on DIRECTV?
The Freeway Insurance 500 is on USA Network, DIRECTV channel 242. USA Network is included in every Signature package, starting with ENTERTAINMENT.
Is Phoenix the NASCAR championship race in 2026?
No. Phoenix is the seventh of 10 races in the 2026 Chase. The season ends with three more races after Phoenix.
Can I stream the Freeway Insurance 500?
Yes. DIRECTV customers can stream USA Network live in the DIRECTV app if it is in their package, and NASCAR lists HBO Max as a streaming option.
When is Cup qualifying at Phoenix?
Cup Series practice is Saturday, October 17, at 4:30 p.m. ET and qualifying follows at 5:35 p.m. ET, both on truTV, DIRECTV channel 246.
Need USA Network before the green flag? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 14, 2026. Race times, TV networks and streaming options are set by NASCAR, Phoenix Raceway and the networks and may change, including for weather. Points standings reflect races through Charlotte. 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.