The Cook Out Southern 500 roars onto the schedule on September 6, marking the opening round of The Chase for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship. The 367‑lap contest will unfold at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, where the green flag drops at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, following a half‑hour pre‑race show on USA Network.
The Stage Is Set
Tyler Reddick will start from pole position, a testament to his qualifying performance, while Chase Briscoe, the 2025 Southern 500 winner, returns to defend his triumph. The race features a unique layout with two stage breaks after lap 115 and lap 230, adding strategic layers to the competition.
Fans can catch the live action on USA Network, with additional streaming options available through HBO Max and YouTube TV, ensuring coverage across multiple platforms.
The Chase continues beyond Darlington, with a slate of races slated for mid‑September through early November, including the Enjoy Illinois 300 at Madison, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol, and the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas City, before culminating in the season‑ending championship on November 8.
With the field set and the stakes high, the Southern 500 promises a compelling start to a tightly contested championship battle.