Chase Briscoe is poised to rewrite NASCAR history this Sunday as he attempts to secure a third consecutive victory at the Southern 500 in Darlington, a feat that would place him alongside Jeff Gordon as the only drivers to achieve multiple straight wins in the event.
The Stakes of the Southern 500
His two previous triumphs at Darlington have not only demonstrated his mastery of the track’s treacherous layout but also earned him a place among seven other NASCAR Hall of Famers—Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt and others—who have each claimed the Southern 500 multiple times.
Darlington Raceway, famously dubbed ‘Too Tough to Tame,’ serves as the crown jewel of NASCAR’s Southern 500 series, and this race forms part of the playoff picture where sixteen drivers compete over the next ten weeks with no early eliminations.
Teammate Denny Hamlin, who finished fifth in the regular‑season standings, enters the playoffs as a favorite, with betting markets listing him and Tyler Reddick at plus‑500, while Briscoe sits at plus‑600, underscoring the competitive balance among the contenders.
Ryan Preece, who punched his ticket to the postseason with a Daytona win, is expected to stay aggressive, and the field also includes Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney, all priced between plus‑850 and plus‑1100, making the Southern 500 a tightly contested affair.
A third straight win would not only cement Briscoe’s place in NASCAR lore but also provide a strong launchpad for his bid to capture the Cup championship, a goal that has driven his season‑long effort.