Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Ryan Preece across Nascar.
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.
Chase Briscoe aims for his third consecutive win at Darlington’s Southern 500, a milestone achieved by only a handful of legends, while Denny Hamlin and Ryan Preece battle for playoff positioning in a uniquely structured 2026 season.
The Cook Out Southern 500 opened the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Darlington Raceway after weather forced a cancellation of qualifying, prompting the series to set the grid via its performance metric, with Tyler Reddick on pole and a competitive top five featuring Daniel Suarez, Ryan Preece, Denny Hamlin and Michael McDowell.
Chase Briscoe aims for a third consecutive win at the Southern 500, a historic feat that would bolster his championship pursuit amid a competitive playoff field.
Tyler Reddick will start from the pole in the Southern 500 after qualifying was canceled due to lightning, and he will be joined on the front row by Daniel Suarez, with the grid shaped by a mix of recent race results and owner points.
The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway was postponed after qualifying and practice were canceled, with Tyler Reddick on pole and a deep Chase field set to battle for position on Sunday.
Tyler Reddick will start from the pole in the Southern 500 after qualifying was halted by lightning, with his five-season wins and No. 3 seed positioning him for a key playoff moment.
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.
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 Southern 500 will begin after 5 p.m. on Sunday with Tyler Reddick and Daniel Suarez on the front row, kicking off a 16‑driver Chase showdown that traces its roots back to 1949.
Chase Briscoe aims to make history at Darlington Raceway with a third consecutive Southern 500 victory, a feat that would boost his NASCAR Cup Championship campaign while Denny Hamlin and Ryan Preece prepare for a pivotal playoff stretch.
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.
Chase Briscoe is on the verge of making NASCAR history by capturing a third consecutive Southern 500 win at Darlington Raceway, a feat previously accomplished by only seven drivers, while Denny Hamlin steadies his playoff position with a 45‑point advantage.
Chase Briscoe’s pursuit of a third consecutive Southern 500 win puts him in elite company and fuels his championship aspirations as the playoff field prepares for a tightly contested race.
Chase Briscoe seeks his third straight Southern 500 triumph at Darlington Raceway, a feat that would surpass Jeff Gordon’s mark, while Denny Hamlin battles a 45‑point deficit in the playoff standings.
Denny Hamlin has criticized NASCAR’s Chase format, saying it prevents drivers outside the top 16 from improving their standings even when they win races, a point highlighted by Ryan Preece’s Daytona win and Shane van Gisbergen’s elimination.
Denny Hamlin decries the NASCAR Chase as unfair, while Ryan Preece’s Daytona win secures a Chase spot and Shane van Gisbergen’s season ends prematurely under the rigid format.
The 2027 NASCAR Cup Series roster is taking shape, with confirmed driver movements, retirements and new signings across the sport's top teams.
The 2026 NASCAR Chase begins on September 6 at Darlington, with Denny Hamlin holding a 25‑point lead over Ford’s Ryan Blaney, who is predicted to claim the championship amid strong team adjustments and a points system that rewards wins.
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.