2017 NASCAR Cup Series race start times, networks announced

CONCORD, N.C. -- We've known the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series schedule since May, but the race times and broadcast networks were yet to be released.

Wednesday afternoon, they were officially announced.

“It’s our responsibility, collectively as an industry, to ensure the sport is healthy, strong and growing by delivering great racing in a way that best meets the needs of our fans,” said Steve Herbst, senior vice president, broadcasting and production at NASCAR. “Earlier insight on start times benefits not only fans, but also our teams and tracks, as it provides more opportunities to plan travel and to purchase race tickets.”

Next year, 17 Cup points races will air on broadcast television, many of which have moved their start times closer to primetime.

And looking ahead to 2018, NASCAR has already announced that the Daytona 500 will move to Sunday, Feb. 18, during Presidents Day weekend.

Take a look at the full 2017 slate below, which was finalized nearly six months earlier than in recent seasons.