A packed September week for NASCAR
The 2026 season will culminate in a condensed stretch of events that begins on September 5 with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series postseason opener, the Fleetio 200, and continues the next night with the premier Cup Series race that marks the first Chase event held at Darlington Raceway.
The Cook Out Southern 500, run over 367 laps and divided into three stages, will test teams’ tire management and strategic decisions as the track’s notorious conditions come into play.
Adding to the variety, the ARCA Menards Series will contest the Audubon Park 100 on September 6 at the one‑mile dirt oval of DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, bringing a rare dirt‑track spectacle to the schedule.
Broadcast rights for the weekend’s action are spread across USA Network, HBO Max, ESPN Unlimited, the ESPN App, and FloRacing, while Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide live radio coverage and audio streams.
Regional series will be supported by FloRacing broadcasts from Langley Speedway, Oswego Speedway and All American Speedway, ensuring nationwide access to the weekend’s program.
The schedule also includes a five‑day pre‑race build‑up featuring replays, studio analysis and special programming on platforms such as Tubi and Prime Video, giving fans additional context before the live events commence.
Ryan Preece’s victory at Daytona has already locked the 16‑driver Chase field, setting the stage for a championship battle that will unfold under the lights of Darlington.