A small, family-owned sport has turned into a one-of-a-kind phenomenon.
Over 78 years of existence, NASCAR, a regional pastime, evolved into a popular national powerhouse by balancing its southern roots with a modern-day flair. In ‘NASCAR Americana,’ the three-part docuseries explores the sport’s rise by drawing on interviews and stories from stock-car racing’s greats to examine how NASCAR has reflected and shaped the culture, identity, and character of a changing nation.
The series, executive-produced by Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, features four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, country music star and Legacy Motor Club investor Darius Rucker, actor-turned Craftsman Truck Series driver Frankie Muniz, and others.
MORE: Read the press release
How to watch
All three ‘NASCAR Americana’ episodes premiere on USA Network immediately after the post-race show following the network’s first three Cup Series races. Sun., Aug. 9 (Iowa Speedway), Sat., Aug. 15 (Richmond Raceway) and Sun., Aug. 23 (New Hampshire Motor Speedway). Episodes will also be available on the USA Sports YouTube channel and Fandango the day after air.
Each part of the series homes in on a specific theme:
- Episode 1 (Aug. 9): “Rebel Roots” traces NASCAR’s origins from rebellious moonshiners to the founding of the sport in 1948, revealing how the Daytona 500 became an American tradition and how the 1979 edition transformed NASCAR into a national phenomenon. Episode 1 follows third-generation NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney as he prepares for the 2026 Daytona 500.
- Episode 2 (Aug. 15): From hometown dirt tracks to NASCAR’s biggest stages, “Family Bonds” explores the love of racing that has united families across generations and made it one of America’s most enduring communities. This episode features the first formal sit-down interview with Hall of Fame driver Kurt Busch since the sudden loss in May of his younger brother Kyle Busch, the all-time winningest driver across NASCAR’s three national series. It focuses on the relationships that define NASCAR as drivers, teams and fans come together to honor Busch at the 2026 Coca-Cola 600.
- Episode 3 (Aug. 23): “Enduring Spirit” follows NASCAR’s transformation from a regional pastime into a national institution while celebrating the patriotism and traditions that remain at its heart, proving that progress and heritage can race side by side. Episode 3 explores modern-day NASCAR through the eyes of five-time 2026 Cup Series winner and Daytona 500 champion Tyler Reddick and three-time Cup Series race winner Bubba Wallace at the 2026 Anduril 250, the first-ever race at a US Naval Base.
Episode 1 – airing Sun. Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. ET
Racing in NASCAR embodies a unique brand of American bravery. It requires a high level of courage that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the sports landscape. See the clip here:
Driving down dirt roads of hometown Dawsonville, Georgia, NASCAR Cup Series star Chase Elliott reflects on the sport’s beginnings. See the clip here: