
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 Shane van Gisbergen 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.

Ross Chastain has publicly shut down speculation about his future at Trackhouse Racing, dismissing comments made by former driver Kevin Harvick on his SPEED podcast and reaffirming his confidence in a contract that runs beyond the next season while the team eyes Darlington.

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 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.

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

Ryan Preece captured his first Cup Series points race win at the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400, clinching the last playoff berth after a chaotic overtime finish.

Ryan Preece’s triumph at the 2026 Coke Zero Sugar 400 not only delivered his first Cup‑Series points win but also locked him into the playoffs, edging out Shane van Gisbergen and giving his team a rare double‑entry.

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.

Ryan Preece turned a terrifying Daytona crash into a historic win, securing his first Cup Series victory and a spot in the postseason.

Ryan Preece’s maiden Cup Series win at Daytona catapults him into the playoffs, setting up a ten‑race showdown for the championship.

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.

After a strong 2025 season and a near‑miss at Daytona, Shane van Gisbergen falls short of the 2026 playoffs, highlighting the impact of the sport’s revised scoring system.

Ryan Preece captured his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, clinching the last Chase position and marking a pivotal moment for his team and manufacturer.

Ryan Preece's first career victory at Daytona catapults him into the Chase, reshaping the playoff picture and adding new storylines to the 2026 season.