
NASCAR Chase Kicks Off at Darlington as Hamlin Eyes 25‑Point Lead
The NASCAR Cup Series Chase begins this weekend at Darlington Raceway, where Denny Hamlin’s five victories and 25‑point lead set the tone for a season‑defining battle.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Brad Keselowski across Nascar.

The NASCAR Cup Series Chase begins this weekend at Darlington Raceway, where Denny Hamlin’s five victories and 25‑point lead set the tone for a season‑defining battle.

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.

Ryan Preece’s season‑ending win at Daytona not only clinches his Chase spot but also injects a million‑dollar boost into Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club and exposes charter uncertainties for RFK Racing ahead of 2027.

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 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway opens the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase, a 501‑mile, 367‑lap event that challenges drivers with its unique oval design, relentless tire wear, and ever‑changing conditions.

With record‑breaking victories, emerging contenders and playoff seeds in flux, the upcoming Darlington race promises a mix of tradition and fresh competition.

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.

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.

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 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase begins Sunday at Darlington Raceway, where Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney and other top drivers battle for the championship amid a historic track known for big storylines.

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

RFK Racing has earned multiple entries into the NASCAR Cup Series postseason, spotlighting Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece as key contenders for the season's final stretch.

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 opening race of the NASCAR postseason, traditionally held at Darlington Raceway, has historically offered a strategic edge, with most recent winners advancing to the Championship 4.

Ryan Preece captured his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona, earning a playoff berth while eliminating Shane van Gisbergen from championship contention.

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

NASCAR’s latest aerodynamic tweaks aim to curb fuel‑saving tactics, yet veteran analyst Jordan Bianchi argues the practice remains entrenched, shaping race strategy and driver commentary.

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.

Ryan Preece clinched a coveted spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase by winning the Coke Zero Sugar 400, overcoming a 100‑point deficit and an early‑stage crash to claim 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.
NASCAR altered the aerodynamic package for the Daytona 500‑style event, cutting spoiler height and power output. While some drivers praised the added racing dynamics, others warned of tighter competition and difficulty in passing.