
NASCAR Revives the Chase with Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington
The Cook Out Southern 500 kicked off NASCAR’s postseason, resetting the standings for the Chase and setting the stage for a 10‑race playoff run.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Austin Dillon across Nascar.

The Cook Out Southern 500 kicked off NASCAR’s postseason, resetting the standings for the Chase and setting the stage for a 10‑race playoff run.

Christopher Bell dominated the Cook Out Southern 500, earning 73 points and the fastest lap, setting the tone for a competitive Chase that begins with ten races.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase opens with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, where Denny Hamlin holds a 25‑point advantage and Tyler Reddick starts on pole.

The Cook Out Southern 500 will unfold on September 6 at Darlington Raceway, with Tyler Reddick on pole and Denny Hamlin leading the Chase by 25 points.

Tyler Reddick takes pole position for the season‑opening Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington, with the Chase beginning on September 6.

The NASCAR Cup Series’ Cook Out Southern 500 opens the Chase at Darlington Raceway, with Tyler Reddick on pole after qualifying was canceled.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series postseason opens on September 6 at Darlington Raceway, where a revamped points‑based Chase format will determine the champion among 16 drivers, with live coverage on USA Network and streaming on multiple platforms.

The 2026 Southern 500 at Darlington will showcase 38 drivers across 36 guaranteed charters, including a full‑time replacement for Kyle Busch and two open entries, marking the start of the Chase.

The NASCAR Cup Series will hold its 27th race of the 2026 season at Darlington Raceway, with Denny Hamlin securing the pole position and a revised qualifying order revealed for the event.

Lightning forced NASCAR to abandon qualifying for the 2026 Darlington Southern 500, setting the grid by a 30 % owner standings and 70 % recent race finish formula, with Tyler Reddick on pole and Daniel Suarez alongside him.

The Cook Out Southern 500 began at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, with the field set by driver metric scores after lightning and rain halted qualifying, and Tyler Reddick claimed the pole as the Chase for the Cup Series gets underway.

NASCAR canceled qualifying for the 2026 Darlington Southern 500 due to lightning, and the starting order was set by a 30‑30 weighted average of owner standings and the most recent race finish, with Tyler Reddick on pole.

NASCAR called off qualifying for the 2026 Darlington Southern 500 due to lightning, setting the starting grid based on a blend of owner standings and recent race results.

The Cook Out Southern 500 kicks off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase with a full 38‑driver field, live Sunday at 5:00 p.m. ET on USA Network.

The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series roster is taking shape, with confirmed driver movements, retirements and new signings across the sport's top teams.

The NASCAR Cup Series qualifying at Darlington Raceway on September 5 sets the stage for a high‑stakes race, with Denny Hamlin leading and Ryan Blaney close behind.

The Cook Out Southern 500 kicks off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Darlington Raceway, with USA Network broadcasting live on September 6.

The provisional 2027 NASCAR Cup Series roster reveals several high‑profile promotions, team expansions, and lingering uncertainties as teams finalize driver agreements.

With 38 drivers set to compete, the 2026 Southern 500 marks the fourth crown jewel of the NASCAR Cup season and the lowest turnout for a race of its stature, while Chase Briscoe aims for a third straight victory.

NASCAR has abandoned its 'win and in' playoff format, replacing it with a season-long championship that rewards consistency. Denny Hamlin tops the standings, but the revised point structure tightens the battle for the title.

Ryan Preece clinches his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Daytona in a dramatic overtime finish, securing a Chase spot while Shane van Gisbergen’s championship hopes evaporate.

A Saturday night showdown at Daytona International Speedway saw Ryan Preece take the checkered flag, while Denny Hamlin’s top‑10 run kept his championship hopes alive. With only five drivers contesting three playoff spots, the stage is set for a dramatic climax at Darlington Raceway.

The regular season concluded at Daytona with Denny Hamlin topping the standings, Ryan Preece securing his maiden victory, and a compressed points gap setting the stage for a fierce postseason.
Ryan Preece captured his maiden NASCAR Cup Series win after a dramatic overtime finish at Daytona International Speedway, while Shane van Gisbergen and Brad Keselowski saw their championship hopes eliminated.