The NASCAR Cup Series will take center stage on Saturday, August 16, at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia, with the highly anticipated Cook Out 400. The race kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA Network, while pre-race coverage, branded as Countdown to Green, begins at 7 p.m. ET. Fans looking forward to the NASCAR Cup Series Richmond Race will have full access to live broadcasts and comprehensive race analysis through NBC Sports.
Experienced NBC Sports Team to Cover Richmond Race
NBC Sports will provide expert commentary with a seasoned broadcast crew, including play-by-play commentator Leigh Diffey and analysts Jeff Burton, known in the racing community as “The Mayor” of NASCAR, along with former Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte. The pit reporting team comprises Marty Snider, Dave Burns, and Kim Coon, with Snider also hosting the pre- and post-race shows alongside Burton and Letarte. This experienced lineup is well-versed in Richmond Raceway’s history, where NBC Sports’ analysts previously secured victories in consecutive years from 1997 to 1999, with Jarrett winning twice and Burton once.
Current Season Context and Driver Standings Ahead of Richmond Race
Last weekend at Watkins Glen, Shane van Gisbergen secured his fourth road course victory of the season. Despite finishing 25th and trailing the leader by 371 points, van Gisbergen demonstrated strong form across multiple venues, including wins at Mexico City, Chicago, and Sonoma. Christopher Bell finished second, 85 points behind the leader, while Chris Buescher secured third place, trailing by 194 points. Austin Dillon remains the defending champion at Richmond Raceway. The Cook Out 400 marks the penultimate race before the Playoffs, which commence on August 31, when the top 16 drivers after the regular season qualify for postseason competition.
Ongoing NBC Sports NASCAR Coverage and Key Broadcast Details
NBC Sports serves as the official broadcaster for the NASCAR Championship and Playoffs, presenting the final 14 Cup Series races of the 2025 season across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. Coverage will culminate in the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. Fans can also watch live practice sessions and qualifying rounds on truTV starting at 4:30 p.m. ET this Friday, August 15, ahead of the Richmond race.
The broadcast team for the NASCAR Cup Series includes:
- Play-by-Play: Leigh Diffey
- Analysts: Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte
- Pit Reporters: Marty Snider, Dave Burns, Kim Coon
The studio coverage will be hosted by Marty Snider, with Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte serving as studio analysts. Viewers can watch the event live on USA Network or stream it via NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
Pro Motocross Season Continues from Unadilla with Exclusive Peacock Coverage
Alongside the NASCAR action, Pro Motocross returns this Saturday, August 16, from Unadilla MX in New Berlin, New York, with live coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET exclusively on Peacock. This marks another critical weekend in the 2025 SMX World Championship™ and Pro Motocross seasons.
Jett Lawrence, leader of the 450 Class with 412 points, and Haiden Deegan, 250 Class leader with 418 points, both have slim margins to clinch their respective championships this weekend. Lawrence trails only 47 points ahead of his brother, Hunter Lawrence, last week’s first-time overall winner, who is gaining momentum. Deegan holds a 51-point lead over Jo Shimoda in the 250 Class.
Motocross Broadcast Team and Additional Coverage Information
NBC Sports will broadcast the motocross action with Jason Weigandt calling play-by-play and seven-time AMA champion James Stewart serving as analyst. Reporters Jason Thomas and Katie Osborne will provide on-site updates and insights. Race Day Live qualifying coverage from Unadilla will start at 10 a.m. ET on Peacock, with all races and qualifying sessions available for live streaming and on-demand viewing on the platform throughout the season.
A recent episode of the Title 24 podcast featured 15-time AMA champion Ricky Carmichael and nine-time AMA champion Ryan Villopoto discussing Hunter Lawrence’s first 450 Class victory, his approach to racing, and personal interests such as car repair.
The Pro Motocross broadcast team consists of:
- Play-by-Play: Jason Weigandt
- Analyst: James Stewart
- Reporters: Jason Thomas, Katie Osborne
- Race Day Live Coverage: Jason Weigandt, James Stewart, Jason Thomas, Katie Osborne
Fans can stream the motocross races live on Peacock and listen to radio coverage via SiriusXM NBC Sports Audio on Channel 85.
Significance of the Richmond Race and Upcoming Playoffs
The Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway not only delivers thrilling racing but also marks a crucial moment in the NASCAR Cup Series season as the regular season nears its close. With the Playoffs beginning on August 31, drivers are vying for points to secure one of the coveted top 16 spots for postseason competition. Austin Dillon’s status as defending champion adds to the anticipation, while NBC Sports’ detailed coverage ensures fans will not miss any decisive moments.
Meanwhile, the Pro Motocross season reaches a critical juncture, with leaders Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan poised to make significant strides toward their 2025 class championships. The dual live broadcasts provide motorsports enthusiasts with a packed weekend of action across disciplines on USA Network and Peacock.