We are on the brink of the penultimate weekend of the NASCAR season, an exciting time for motorsport enthusiasts. This weekend promises plenty of exhilarating short-track racing, with NASCAR taking center stage at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia, while Formula 1 gears up for its highly anticipated race in Brazil, and the FIA World Endurance Championship draws its season to a close in Bahrain.
As we prepare for an action-packed weekend, it’s essential to remember that daylight savings time will conclude late Saturday night, transitioning into early Sunday morning at 2 a.m. ET. Before heading to bed, ensure your clocks are set back one hour if they don’t adjust automatically, allowing you to enjoy an extra hour of sleep ahead of the races.
Where to Watch NASCAR This Week
This weekend, NASCAR kicks off a thrilling tripleheader at the iconic Martinsville Speedway. Each of the three races will play a critical role in determining which drivers advance to the Championship 4, setting the stage for the final showdown in Phoenix.
The NASCAR Cup Series will be the highlight event of the weekend. On-track activities will commence Saturday with practice scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action streaming live on NBCSports.com and on the NBC Sports App. Following practice, qualifying will take place shortly thereafter, adding to the nail-biting excitement as drivers vie for a prime starting position.
Coverage of the highly anticipated Xfinity 500 will begin with an engaging Countdown to Green at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Race coverage is set to kick off at 2 p.m. ET, with the green flag expected to wave around 2:10 p.m. ET. Despite the early start, keep in mind that the conclusion of daylight savings will cast a shadow over the race, bringing it close to dusk.
This weekend’s weather forecast for Sunday predicts comfortable conditions, albeit a bit chilly. Expect early sunshine with a high of 64° before clouds move in later. Given that it will be dark as the race wraps up, fans heading to the track should definitely plan on bringing a jacket to stay warm during the evening.
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is on the agenda for Saturday. Teams will begin loading into the infield bright and early Friday morning, setting the stage for a busy day filled with preparation and practice.
Practice for the Xfinity Series is slated for 3:35 p.m. ET Friday, with coverage available on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App. Shortly after practice, qualifying will also occur, sharpening the competition among teams.
Coverage of the National Debt Relief 250 will begin with NASCAR Countdown Live at 3:30 p.m. ET on The CW. Race coverage is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET, with the green flag anticipated shortly afterward at 4:10 p.m. ET, promising an action-filled afternoon of race excitement.
The weather on Saturday is looking promising, with partly cloudy skies and a pleasant high of 69° allowing for enjoyable racing conditions.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will host a one-day event this Friday. Practice is set for 1:35 p.m. ET, and fans can tune in to watch the session live on FOX Sports 2, beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET. Following practice, qualifying will take place as teams finalize their strategies.
Coverage of the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 will begin at 6 p.m. ET Friday on FOX Sports 1, with the green flag expected to fly around 6:15 p.m. ET, kicking off what promises to be an electrifying evening of racing.
Of the three days of racing in Martinsville, Friday may present the most uncertainty. The forecast predicts cloudy conditions with a high of 78°, but there’s a 40% chance of showers that could affect the day’s action. Should rain occur, it could disrupt qualifying and possibly lead to teams utilizing rain tires during the race. Regardless, because much of the racing will take place as night falls, it’s wise for fans to bring a jacket.
TV Ratings Check — Homestead
Last Sunday’s broadcast of the Straight Talk Wireless 400 from Homestead-Miami Speedway drew a 1.31 rating, captivating 2.344 million viewers. This marks a slight increase in the Nielsen ratings, reflecting a growth of 94,000 viewers or 4.17% compared to last year’s figures, underscoring NASCAR’s continued appeal among fans.
Unfortunately, viewership statistics for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Credit One NASCAR Amex Credit Card 300 and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Baptist Health 200 are currently unavailable. We will update this information as soon as the numbers are released.
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**Interview with Motorsport Analyst, Sarah Thompson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. This weekend is huge for motorsport enthusiasts, with NASCAR, Formula 1, and the FIA World Endurance Championship all in action. What’s your excitement level for the upcoming races?
**Sarah Thompson:** Thanks for having me! My excitement is through the roof! Martinsville is one of the most iconic short tracks in NASCAR, and it’s always thrilling to see how the drivers handle those tight corners. Plus, with the ongoing battle for the Championship 4, every race matters that much more.
**Editor:** Absolutely! Let’s talk about the NASCAR Cup Series specifically. Can you explain how crucial this weekend is for drivers looking to qualify for the championship?
**Sarah Thompson:** Certainly! This weekend marks a pivotal moment as drivers compete at Martinsville with the Xfinity 500 coming up. Performance this weekend will determine who makes it to the final race in Phoenix. There’s a lot of pressure as they not only fight for positions but also contend with each other on the track—expect aggressive racing!
**Editor:** It sounds like fans should be ready for a nail-biting event. What should viewers keep in mind in terms of scheduling, especially with daylight savings affecting the race times?
**Sarah Thompson:** Great point! Don’t forget to set your clocks back this weekend! The NASCAR events will be closely following the clock, and the end of daylight savings means that the race at Martinsville could be finishing under the lights—definitely something to be prepared for. It adds another layer of strategy for drivers and teams as they navigate changing light conditions.
**Editor:** And speaking of weather, what do you predict will affect the race day experience for fans?
**Sarah Thompson:** The weather looks good before the race, but it will get chillier as the day goes on, especially at Martinsville where it can get quite brisk in the evening. Fans should definitely bring a jacket! Comfortable conditions early in the day might lead to some exciting and competitive racing on the track.
**Editor:** Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on the other racing events happening this weekend, like the Formula 1 race in Brazil?
**Sarah Thompson:** It’s a packed weekend for motorsport! The F1 race in Brazil is also highly anticipated, with its unique challenges and passionate crowd. While NASCAR will be in the spotlight, F1 fans will have plenty to cheer about. It’s a fantastic time to be a motorsport fan with so much happening across different series.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Sarah. We’re looking forward to what promises to be an exhilarating weekend of racing!
**Sarah Thompson:** My pleasure! Enjoy the races, everyone!
