The Cook Out Southern 500, the season‑opening event of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase, will be staged on Sunday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, marking the return of the sport’s original qualifying format after a two‑year experiment with a knockout system.
Historic Format Returns
Under the new arrangement, the qualifying order is derived from a blend of owner‑standings points (30 %) and the results of the most recent race (70 %). Non‑playoff drivers are placed ahead of their playoff counterparts regardless of their metric standing, and every driver will attempt a single‑car run for position, with no second‑round shootout for pole.
The 38‑driver field includes representatives from powerhouse organizations such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske, Hendrick Motorsports and many independent outfits, featuring drivers like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Cindric, among many others.
Live coverage will be broadcast on USA Network at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, giving fans a prime‑time view of the race as the Chase begins its opening round.
By reverting to the 2004‑2013 format, NASCAR aims to broaden opportunities for non‑playoff competitors while preserving the prestige of the opening race, a shift that underscores the series’ effort to balance competition and tradition.