NASCAR has shifted the start time of the Darlington Southern 500 from 5:10 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, a move designed to capture more daylight before the evening weather deteriorates.
Weather Outlook
Forecasters have issued a warning for the Carolinas, predicting a 30 to 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., with the probability increasing through the night. The threat includes damaging wind gusts and hail, prompting NASCAR to consider waiting out any rain or finishing under caution rather than red‑flagging the event.
The 367‑lap, 501.32‑mile contest is slated to begin at 5 p.m. with pre‑race coverage starting at 4:30 p.m., and officials plan to keep the cars on dry slicks even if rain develops mid‑race.
Tyler Reddick will line up on pole position, while Denny Hamlin enters the event as the favorite after securing the regular‑season title, making him the top contender for the Southern 500.
The race forms part of the NASCAR Cup Series, which resets its points standings after the 26‑race regular season, meaning the outcome will have immediate implications for the championship battle.
Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, will host the event on September 5, 2026, and the race will be broadcast on Fox Sports and USA Network, with additional coverage from Queen City News and MySportsWeather.com.
Heavy.com will also provide live updates as the day unfolds, ensuring fans stay informed about any weather‑related developments.