The 2026 NASCAR Chase begins with the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, but looming thunderstorms threaten to upend the weekend’s schedule and the excitement of fans eager to see the opening event of the ten‑race playoff series.
Saturday’s program includes O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice and qualifying, with the qualifying session slated for 5:10 p.m. Eastern Time, while Sunday’s main event is set to start at 5 p.m. ET on September 6, covering a distance of 501.32 miles.
Forecast Calls for Rain and Wind
The National Weather Service predicts a 60% chance of rain and strong winds during Saturday afternoon sessions, and scattered showers are expected on Sunday, creating a realistic possibility that the race, practice and qualifying could be delayed or shortened.
NASCAR has not announced any changes to the race schedule or start time as of Thursday, leaving teams, drivers and spectators to monitor the evolving forecast closely as the weekend approaches.
If the weather forces a postponement, the ripple effect could influence driver preparation, crew strategies and the overall experience for the thousands of fans expected at the historic Darlington oval, underscoring the importance of flexibility in a sport where conditions can change in an instant.