NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying at Darlington Raceway were repeatedly interrupted by lightning strikes, creating a safety hold that pushed the schedule back throughout the afternoon.
The sweltering heat, with temperatures climbing to 98°F and a heat index near 108°F, combined with the threat of sudden storms, made the track conditions hazardous for drivers and crew members alike.
By 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, NASCAR officials announced the cancellation of both practice and qualifying, even though the Southern 500 was slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Safety Hold and Weather Impact
NASCAR’s lightning policy mandates an immediate hold whenever a strike is detected within the designated safety radius, and competition can resume only after an all‑clear period has elapsed, a rule that dictated the extended delay.
Despite the earlier interruptions, the Cook Out Southern 500 remains scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, with no impact expected on the race day.
Denny Hamlin, the regular‑season champion and current betting favorite, is expected to lead the field, while Tyler Reddick and Chase Briscoe also figure among the top contenders, and Toyota entries such as Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing have been strong performers at Darlington this season.
The combination of extreme heat and possible storms could accelerate tire wear and force crews to adjust strategy, especially over the 367‑lap distance that includes multiple stage breaks.