How to Watch the NASCAR YellaWood 500 at Talladega on DIRECTV: Start Time, NBC Channel and Streaming
The 2026 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway is Sunday, October 25, 2026, with green flag at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT at the track in Lincoln, Alabama). NBC has the national broadcast. NASCAR’s current race-day guide lists HBO Max for streaming, while its 2026 NBC viewing guide also lists Peacock access. It is race 34 of 36 in the NASCAR Cup Series and Chase race 8 of 10.
On DIRECTV, tune to your local NBC station. Here is how to watch, as of October 25, 2026.
YellaWood 500 at Talladega at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, October 25, 2026 |
| Green flag | 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT / 12 p.m. MT / 11 a.m. PT (prerace on NBC at 1:30 p.m. ET) |
| Track | Talladega Superspeedway, Lincoln, Alabama (2.66-mile asphalt superspeedway) |
| Distance | 188 laps, 500.08 miles |
| Series | NASCAR Cup Series; Chase race 8 of 10; race 34 of 36 |
| TV | NBC |
| Streaming | HBO Max; NASCAR also lists Peacock access for NBC Sports events |
| Radio | MRN |
| DIRECTV | Your local NBC station in DIRECTV local channels |
What channel is the YellaWood 500 on DIRECTV?
NBC is a local broadcast network, so the channel number depends on your market. Your local NBC affiliate comes with DIRECTV packages where local channels are offered at your address. Press GUIDE and search “YellaWood 500” or “NASCAR” to find the right station and set a recording before green flag.
Our guide to watching NBC with DIRECTV has more detail, and what channel NBC is in your area helps you find your affiliate. If your locals are missing, see how to add or remove local channels on DIRECTV, or call 1-855-690-9884.
Alabama viewers can also check DIRECTV channels for Alabama for local lineup context around race weekend.
How to stream the YellaWood 500
- HBO Max: NASCAR’s current race-day guide lists HBO Max for the live stream.
- Peacock: NASCAR’s 2026 NBC viewing guide also lists NBC Sports events on Peacock. Peacock is a separate subscription. See how to subscribe to Peacock.
- DIRECTV Gemini: watch your local NBC station live in the guide, or open Peacock from APPS after you sign in. See our DIRECTV Gemini device guide.
- Over the air: NBC is free with an antenna in markets that carry the race live.
For more sports viewing options, browse our sports streaming guide for 2026 and October 2026 streaming deals.
Why this Talladega race matters
Talladega is NASCAR’s longest oval, and the October YellaWood 500 is a Chase race. The 2026 Chase runs 10 races with no mid-Chase eliminations; the Cup champion is decided on points at Homestead-Miami. Talladega is Chase race 8 of 10, with Martinsville and Homestead still to come on the NBC stretch of the Chase.
The race is contested over 188 laps and 500.08 miles at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. Booth coverage on NBC is listed with Leigh Diffey, Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte, with MRN on the radio side.
Want your local NBC station locked in before Sunday? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
When does the YellaWood 500 start?
Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT at Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama).
What channel is the YellaWood 500 on DIRECTV?
It airs on your local NBC station. Search YellaWood 500 or NASCAR in the DIRECTV guide. Channel numbers vary by market.
Can I stream the YellaWood 500?
NASCAR’s current race-day guide lists HBO Max, and its 2026 NBC viewing guide also lists Peacock access. You can also watch your local NBC station with an eligible DIRECTV login or on Gemini.
How many laps is the YellaWood 500?
188 laps for 500.08 miles on Talladega's 2.66-mile superspeedway.
Is the YellaWood 500 a playoff race?
Yes. It is Chase race 8 of 10 in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series postseason, and race 34 of 36 overall.
What time zone is Talladega in?
The track is in Lincoln, Alabama, on Central Time. Green flag is 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET.
Need help finding your local NBC station on DIRECTV before green flag? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 25, 2026 against NASCAR's current weekend schedule, TV guide and race preview (prerace at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC, green flag shortly after 2 p.m. ET, HBO Max stream, 188 laps / 500.08 miles, MRN and SiriusXM), plus NASCAR's official 2026 NBC viewing guide for Peacock access. Green-flag time, TV window, streaming rights and Chase format can change. Channel lineups, local station carriage, package contents and prices vary by address and account. NASCAR, YellaWood, Talladega Superspeedway, NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.