
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 Joey Logano 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.

Bell broke his lengthy winless run with a late‑race pass on Larson, while Hamlin holds the points lead heading into the final stretch.

Christopher Bell broke his lengthy winless drought by overtaking Kyle Larson with 18 laps remaining, while nine of the top ten finishers belonged to Chase drivers.

Bell’s victory at Darlington propels him to second in the points chase, with Hamlin closing the gap and several midfield drivers experiencing significant movement.

Christopher Bell broke a 33‑race drought by winning the Southern 500, edging Kyle Larson in the closing laps and positioning himself for the next Chase showdown in St. Louis.

Bell's triumph at Darlington Raceway ended a year-long win drought, highlighted by a 46‑lap lead and a pass of Kyle Larson, while rivals William Byron and several Chase contenders faced setbacks.

Christopher Bell captured his maiden 2026 Cup win at Darlington, catapulting him into second place in the standings, while Denny Hamlin’s toe‑link issue and other mid‑field battles shaped the race’s dramatic conclusion.

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.

Bell’s victory at the Southern 500 propels him into a tight championship battle with Denny Hamlin, while the playoff race heads to Worldwide Technology Raceway.

Christopher Bell captured the NASCAR Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with a decisive pass on Kyle Larson in the final laps, ending a winless 2026 season and moving into second place in the championship.

Christopher Bell broke a 33‑race drought by passing Kyle Larson with 18 laps remaining to win the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

In a dramatic finish at Darlington, Christopher Bell broke his 33‑race drought by passing Kyle Larson on the final lap, while nine of the top ten positions were filled by Chase drivers.

Denny Hamlin maintained his lead in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase after the Darlington race, holding a 12‑point edge over Christopher Bell, who captured his first victory since Bristol a year earlier.

A chaotic opening stage at Darlington Raceway saw Carson Hocevar’s spin take out Brad Keselowski, prompting a caution that ended the stage early and gave Tyler Reddick the win.

Josh Berry’s unexpected five‑race top‑nine streak and his impending move to a new team highlight the dynamic driver market that will define NASCAR’s 2027 season.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Chase starts on September 6 with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington, a 367‑lap event that will set the tone for a season‑long playoff.

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.

The 2028 follow‑up to the 1990 classic will blend Hollywood glamour with the roar of stock cars, sparking excitement among drivers and fans alike.

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 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.

After years of criticism, NASCAR will bring back its elimination‑style playoff format in 2026, scrapping the automatic qualification tied to race wins and emphasizing sustained performance throughout the season.