The NASCAR Cup Series' 2026 postseason begins this weekend with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, marking the first 'Chase' event since 2013. The race will be aired live on USA Network at 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 6, and forms part of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
Qualifying Mechanics
Qualifying uses a metric that blends owner standings with the most recent race results, and championship‑eligible drivers are not entered into the order until every other competitor has been placed, ensuring they qualify last. The session consists of a single‑lap attempt, with the full 38‑car lineup determined in one round. Only two non‑chartered entries remain on the roster after five were present at Daytona, and Chad Finchum will lead the field because his No. 66 Garage 66 entry carries the series‑worst metric score.
Corey Heim drives the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota, the sole unchanged open car from the previous lineup, while Joey Gase, Casey Mears and Daniel Dye were removed from the field after qualifying at Daytona. The qualifying order reflects a mix of charter and non‑charter teams, with the full 38‑car arrangement detailed for the event.
The race itself is set to take place at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, a track known for its challenging oval layout. With the Cook Out Southern 500 serving as the opening round of the Chase, the upcoming weeks will determine which drivers advance toward the final championship showdown.