As the NASCARCraftsman Truck Series race gets underway, there has been a time limit introduced to make room for CW Sports to air the O’Reilly Series race. So, no matter what happens, this Truck Series race will be over at 4:20 p.m. ET.
The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is going to start their race right around 5:00 p.m. ET. CW Sports will want ample time to do all they need to do in order to broadcast the race.
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Based on previous races, it is going to take about an hour and a half to two hours. That means there is a very real possibility, if there are enough cautions and delays, that this race does not go the full distance.
Kyle Busch does a burnout after winning at Atlanta in 2025. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
((Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))
The move from NASCAR has sparked a number of different reactions. Then again, if the track was dry and there was no race going on because it was pushed to Sunday, fans would be wondering why they weren’t just racing already. You can’t make everyone happy, that’s for sure.
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NASCAR scheduled this race for today. So, they are going to try to race as much as they can today. With the deadline at 4:20 p.m., the drivers will have to race fast and clean. With the O’Reilly Series race scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and green flag shortly after at 5:20, NASCAR wants to be able to transition between the two races smoothly.
Let’s also point out this obvious point – these Truck Series teams do not want to stay another night in Georgia. Drivers, crew members, and most importantly, haulers, have to get back home as soon as they can so work can begin for St. Petersburg next weekend. Get this race done, hopefully it can be quickly, and let’s get these teams on their way so they can compete for us again in a week.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
