The 2026 Chase Begins
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase opens at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, with the Cook Out Southern 500 scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Sixteen drivers will compete for the championship, and the historic oval is expected to deliver the kind of drama that has defined its legacy for decades.
Denny Hamlin, driving the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, sits atop the Chase standings and enters the race as the defending pole winner at Darlington. His five victories at the track and an 8.0 average finish make him the most successful active driver on the circuit, giving him a strong advantage as the competition intensifies.
Chase Briscoe, piloting the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, is positioned fifth in the Chase and is focused on capturing the Southern 500 to match Jeff Gordon’s record of three consecutive wins at the event. The pursuit of that milestone adds another layer of narrative to the race.
Ryan Blaney, ranked second in the Chase, trails Hamlin by 25 points and brings a proven track record at Darlington to the competition. His consistency on the high‑speed oval makes him a serious contender for the opening victory.
Tyler Reddick leads the overall series with five wins and holds third place in the Chase, 35 points behind Hamlin. His recent form and experience at Darlington place him among the favorites to shape the early narrative of the Chase.
Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell, both members of Joe Gibbs Racing, also feature in the top five of the Chase standings, underscoring the organization’s depth as the season progresses.
The full field of sixteen drivers includes heavyweights such as Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski, each bringing distinct strengths and storylines to the competition.
Ryan Preece secured the 16th and final Chase position with a victory at Daytona International Speedway, earning his spot in the playoff and adding a fresh face to the high‑stakes drama.
Darlington Raceway’s reputation for producing unforgettable moments is reinforced by Hamlin’s dominance; his five wins and best average finish among active drivers highlight the track’s significance in the Chase narrative.
Brad Keselowski, although not qualified for the Chase, remains optimistic about his performance at Darlington. He swept both stages in the spring race and finished runner‑up to Reddick, suggesting he could still make a notable impact on the event.