NASCAR Cup Series returns to Iowa with playoff implications in focus
USA Network and DIRECTV to broadcast the Sunday race, which features key contenders including Ryan Blaney and William Byron.
The NASCAR Cup Series resumes its championship campaign this Sunday with the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. The event, scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT), represents a critical juncture in the 2026 season, occurring with only four races remaining until the playoff cutoff is determined.
This contest marks the third Cup Series race at the Iowa Speedway venue. Previous winners at the track include Ryan Blaney and William Byron, both of whom are highlighted as primary drivers to watch for this weekend’s event. They will compete alongside other top-tier competitors in the series, including Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and Ty Gibbs.
The upcoming schedule features three shorter tracks, providing a strategic opportunity for drivers to secure their positions in the playoffs. The series returns to competition following a break last weekend, with the most recent event being the Brickyard 400.
Broadcast coverage for the Iowa Corn 350 will be provided by USA Network. For viewers opting for live streaming, the race is available via DIRECTV. The network package includes access to various sports channels, catering to audiences seeking comprehensive coverage of the event.
The 2026 Cup Series schedule has seen a variety of winners from February through May, with drivers such as Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, and Denny Hamlin securing victories at tracks including Daytona, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. As the season progresses, the focus shifts to the remaining events that will decide the final 16 drivers advancing to the postseason.
