The 2026 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is set to become one of the most anticipated moments on the NASCAR calendar, joining an exclusive group of events known as the Crown Jewel Races.
Darlington, often called the “Too Tough to Tame” track, has been a cornerstone of NASCAR since its opening in 1950, hosting more than one hundred Cup Series races over seven decades.
The track’s unique egg‑shaped layout challenges drivers with its steep banking and narrow turns, making each race a test of skill and strategy.
A Milestone for the OAP Series
Adding to the weekend’s excitement, the OAP Series will run its own event on Saturday evening, a tradition that began in 1982 when the series first visited Darlington. The race, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, will feature a high of 87 °F and light winds of just 2–3 mph.
Sunday’s premier Cup Series Southern 500 follows at 5:00 p.m. ET, with temperatures expected to peak at 87 °F as well. Forecast models show a mere 15 % chance of precipitation by 8:00 p.m., promising a dry finish under the lights.
Fans can watch the action live on ESPN Unlimited, The CW, and USA, ensuring broad coverage of what promises to be a historic weekend for stock car racing.