The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Chase officially kicks off on September 6 with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, marking the beginning of a ten‑race playoff that will crown the season champion.
The Track’s Challenge
Darlington Raceway, affectionately dubbed “Too Tough To Tame,” presents a unique test for drivers. Its egg‑shaped, 1.366‑mile oval is characterized by narrow racing grooves that hinder passing, while a high frequency of cautions adds an unpredictable rhythm to each stage.
The event consists of 367 laps, split into three stages—115 laps for Stage 1, a midpoint extending to lap 230 for Stage 2, and the final stretch reaching lap 367—covering a total distance of 501.32 miles. A new rule introduced this season allows Stage 1 or Stage 2 to be ended early if a caution flag waves with ten laps or fewer remaining, heightening the strategic stakes as drivers battle for stage points.
Key Contenders
Denny Hamlin, who has five Darlington victories—the most among active drivers—and a career average finish of 8.0, heads the Chase with a 25‑point margin over Ryan Blaney, positioning him as the early favorite. Kyle Larson, Joey Logano and William Byron also emerge as strong Chase contenders, each boasting solid records at Darlington. Tyler Reddick, who inherited pole position due to weather, brings six top‑five and eight top‑ten finishes to the table, while Chase Briscoe, fresh from back‑to‑back Southern 500 victories, starts seventh and carries recent momentum.
The broader field includes Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Chris Buescher, Daniel Suarez, Carson Hocevar, Ryan Preece, Bubba Wallace and Austin Cindric, each adding depth to the competition. Among non‑Chase participants, Erik Jones, the 2022 Southern 500 winner, and Brad Keselowski, a consistent high‑finisher at Darlington, are expected to challenge the playoff picture, underscoring the depth of the field.
The race will be broadcast live on USA Network at 5 p.m. ET, spanning the 501.32‑mile distance as the green flag drops. With Hamlin’s experience, Reddick’s pole position, Briscoe’s recent victories and the array of contenders poised to battle the narrow grooves, fans can anticipate a tightly contested event that will set the tone for the remainder of the Chase.