Chase Briscoe is on the verge of making NASCAR history by capturing his third straight victory at the Southern 500 in Darlington, a feat achieved by only seven drivers in the sport’s annals, including legends such as Jeff Gordon, Bobby Allison and Dale Earnhardt.
Historic Pursuit at Darlington
The 22‑year‑old driver, who already claimed the Triple‑A series race and the past two Southern 500s, has built a reputation for consistency on the treacherous oval, positioning him as a serious contender for the upcoming Cup Championship playoffs.
His teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin, enters the event as the playoff favorite, sitting ninth on the all‑time wins list and carrying the hopes of a championship run that many view as a strong indicator of his title prospects.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup season introduces a novel format that spares drivers from elimination in the next ten races, reshaping the playoff picture and giving competitors like Briscoe and Hamlin extra breathing room to accumulate points.
Ryan Preece, seeded sixteenth after a Daytona win that secured his playoff berth, plans to keep his aggressive style alive, adding another layer of competition to the Southern 500 showdown.
Betting markets currently list Hamlin and Tyler Reddick as co‑favorites at plus‑500, while Briscoe sits just behind at plus‑600, underscoring the tight race for the win.
Hamlin’s reflections on his late father Dennis, whose guidance shaped his career, reveal a personal dimension to his pursuit, as he finds satisfaction in his racing achievements despite recent loss.