The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina will serve as the opening event of the NASCAR Chase for the Cup Series, scheduled for Sunday, September 6 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Darlington’s distinctive egg‑shaped oval has long been celebrated as one of NASCAR’s most demanding circuits, testing drivers’ skill and endurance for decades.
Entering the Chase, Denny Hamlin holds the top spot in the points standings, a position he reinforced after Ryan Preece captured a surprising win at Daytona International Speedway.
Broadcast and Schedule
Fans can watch the action live on the USA network, while streaming options are available through Sling, ensuring coverage for the entire Chase.
In total, seven of the ten remaining Cup Series races will be aired live on USA, including the upcoming event at Iowa Speedway later this weekend.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series television schedule lists additional races through September and October, extending the Chase into the fall.