NASCAR lineup and TV schedule for Nashville (May 2026)

NASCAR Cup Series drivers are preparing to take the green flag at Nashville Superspeedway this Sunday. While a round of qualifying was originally scheduled for today, weather conditions forced the cancellation of the session.

the starting lineup for the Cracker Barrel 400 has been set via the rule book. Following the cancellation, crews worked to dry the track to allow cars to roll out for practice.

Did You Know? The total purse for the upcoming race at Nashville Superspeedway is $11,233,037.

Starting Grid and Front Row

Denny Hamlin has secured the pole position for Sunday’s event. Tyler Reddick will join him on the front row to complete the starting duo.

Rounding out the top five are Daniel Suarez in third, Christopher Bell in fourth and Kyle Larson in fifth. The grid extends to 37 drivers, concluding with Connor Zilisch.

Practice Performance and Speed

Despite the rule-book lineup, practice results provided a different look at the field’s speed. Christopher Bell recorded the fastest time of the session at 29.802.

Ross Chastain followed closely in second with a 29.824, while pole-sitter Denny Hamlin clocked in third at 29.827. Other top performers included Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick, who both finished in the top five.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that when weather cancels qualifying and the rule book determines the grid, the practice results become critical indicators. The fact that Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain posted the fastest times despite starting further back suggests a potential for significant movement during the race.

Race Schedule and Broadcast Details

The Cracker Barrel 400 is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026. Race coverage begins at 7:00pm ET, with the green flag expected to wave at 7:20pm ET.

Denny Hamlin wins the pole for the Digital Ally 400 | Busch Pole Lap Onboard

Fans can watch the action via Prime Video, HBO Max, and PRN. The race will be contested over 300 laps, with stage breaks occurring at lap 90 and lap 185.

Looking Ahead to Sunday

The discrepancy between the starting lineup and practice speeds could influence early race strategy. Drivers like Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain may look to leverage their practice pace to move toward the front.

Given the weather disruptions earlier in the weekend, track conditions may continue to be a factor as drivers compete for the $11,233,037 purse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What channel is the NASCAR race on?
The race will be broadcast on Prime Video, HBO Max, and PRN.

Why was the qualifying session cancelled?
The qualifying session was cancelled due to weather.

Who is starting on the pole for the Cracker Barrel 400?
Denny Hamlin will start from the pole position.

Which driver do you think will benefit most from the practice speeds on Sunday?