How to watch NASCAR Autotrader 400 live – free streams, TV channels and start time
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The NASCAR Autotrader 400 takes place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. The race is part of the early NASCAR Cup Series calendar and is known for its fast pack racing on the recently reconfigured superspeedway-style track.
Atlanta’s 1.54-mile quad-oval produces close racing similar to Daytona and Talladega, with tight drafting and frequent position changes throughout the field. This often leads to unpredictable results and dramatic finishes.
The race is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM ET, which is 8:00 PM GMT, 9:00 PM CET, 12:00 PM PT, and 9:00 AM NZDT (February 23) in New Zealand.
Where to watch NASCAR Autotrader 400 – streaming options by country
Below is an overview of official broadcasters showing the Autotrader 400 in different countries.
| Country | Broadcaster | Price |
| United States | FOX Sports 1 | Included in cable packages ($65.00–$100.00/month) |
| United States | fuboTV/Hulu + Live TV | From $70.00/month |
| United Kingdom | Viaplay | From £14.99/month |
| Canada | TSN | From CA$24.99/month (TSN Direct) |
| Australia | Fox Sports/Kayo Sports | From AU$27.00/month |
| New Zealand | Three/ThreeNow | Free |
How to watch NASCAR Autotrader 400 for free
Free NASCAR streams are available on ThreeNow in New Zealand. However, the platform is geo-restricted, meaning it’s only available inside New Zealand. If you’re abroad, you’ll need a VPN with New Zealand servers to access it.
- Download and install a VPN with New Zealand servers. I recommend NordVPN for reliable streaming.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a New Zealand server.
- Visit the ThreeNow website or open the app.
- Find the Autotrader 400 live broadcast.
- Start watching the race live for free.
How to watch NASCAR Autotrader 400 outside New Zealand
If you’re outside New Zealand, you can still watch the Autotrader 400 live through official broadcasters in your region. Below, I’ve broken down exactly where to watch and when the race starts in each country so you don’t miss it.
How to watch in the US
In the United States, the race will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). This channel is included in most cable TV packages and live TV streaming services like fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV. The race starts at 3:00 PM ET and 12:00 PM PT, making it an afternoon event for US viewers.
How to watch in the UK
UK viewers can watch the race live on Viaplay, which holds NASCAR broadcasting rights in the region. Subscriptions start from £14.99/month. The race begins at 8:00 PM GMT, making it an accessible evening broadcast.
How to watch in Canada
In Canada, the Autotrader 400 will be shown on TSN, available through cable providers or via TSN Direct with streaming subscriptions starting at CA$24.99/month. The race begins at 3:00 PM ET and 12:00 PM PT.
How to watch in Australia
Australian fans can watch the race live on Fox Sports or stream via Kayo Sports, with plans starting at AU$27.00/month. The race starts at 7:00 AM AEDT on February 23, making it an early morning event.
Best VPNs to watch NASCAR Autotrader 400
If you want to access geo-restricted NASCAR streams like ThreeNow, a reliable VPN is essential. Based on our testing, these are the best options:
- NordVPN – best overall VPN for streaming NASCAR
- Surfshark – best budget VPN with unlimited connections
- Proton VPN – best VPN for privacy-focused streaming
Why you need a VPN to watch NASCAR Autotrader 400
Free streams on ThreeNow are only available to viewers located in New Zealand due to licensing restrictions. If you try to open the stream from another country, the platform will detect your location and block access, showing an error message.
This happens because broadcasters only have rights to show the race in specific countries. A VPN solves this by changing your virtual location, allowing you to access the same free stream as viewers in New Zealand. It’s especially useful for fans traveling abroad or living in regions where the race isn’t broadcast for free.
How to watch NASCAR Autotrader 400 on different devices
Your viewing options depend on your broadcaster and whether you’re using a VPN.
- Web browsers (PC and Mac). The easiest and most reliable method. All major streaming services and VPNs work smoothly on desktop devices.
- Mobile devices (iOS and Android). Most broadcasters and VPN providers offer dedicated apps, making smartphones and tablets a convenient option.
- Smart TVs and streaming devices. Android TV and Amazon Fire TV devices typically support both NASCAR streaming apps and VPN apps. Some Smart TVs may require VPN setup on your router.
Best overall option: I recommend watching on a laptop or phone with a VPN enabled, as this is usually the simplest and most reliable setup.
Race preview and prediction
Atlanta Motor Speedway’s superspeedway-style layout makes drafting strategy critical. This type of racing often produces surprise winners, but experienced superspeedway drivers usually have an advantage.
Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and William Byron are expected to be among the strongest contenders due to their drafting skills and recent form. Byron has been particularly consistent in pack races, while Blaney remains one of the most reliable performers on this type of track. However, unexpected late-race incidents could easily change the outcome.
Prediction: Ryan Blaney to win, with William Byron and Joey Logano finishing in the top three.
History of the Autotrader 400
The race at Atlanta Motor Speedway has been part of the NASCAR Cup Series calendar since 1960, though its name has changed multiple times due to sponsorship. In recent years, it became known as the Autotrader 400.
Following Atlanta’s major track reconfiguration in 2022, the race now features tighter pack racing similar to Daytona and Talladega. This change has made the event more unpredictable and exciting.
Winning at Atlanta remains highly valued, especially early in the season, as it helps drivers build momentum in the NASCAR Cup Series championship race.
