NASCAR Returns to Darlington for the Cook Out Southern 500 and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

The NASCAR Cup Series is set to make its way to the iconic Darlington Raceway in South Carolina for a thrilling weekend of racing. This event marks the beginning of the Chase, a critical playoff series that will determine the champion of the 2026 season. Known affectionately as "The Track Too Tough to Tame," Darlington is renowned for its challenging layout and rich history in stock car racing, making it a fitting venue for the final Crown Jewel race of the year.

The weekend’s festivities will kick off with a doubleheader, featuring not only the Cup Series but also the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Fans can expect an action-packed schedule beginning on Saturday afternoon, culminating in the highly anticipated Cook Out Southern 500 on Sunday night. This race is pivotal as it sets the tone for the final stretch of the NASCAR season.

Here’s a detailed look at the weekend schedule for the events at Darlington:

Saturday, September 5:

• 1:30 p.m. ET: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice
  • TV: ESPN Unlimited
• 2:35 p.m. ET: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying
  • TV: ESPN Unlimited
• 4:00 p.m. ET: Cup Series Practice (Impound)
  • TV: TruTV
  • Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), SiriusXM Satellite
• 5:10 p.m. ET: Cup Series Qualifying
  • TV: TruTV
  • Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Satellite
• 7:30 p.m. ET: O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Fleetio 200
  • TV: The CW, ESPN Unlimited
  • Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Satellite

Sunday, September 6:

• 5:00 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500
  • TV: USA Network
  • Radio: MRN, SiriusXM Satellite
  • Stream: HBO Max Driver Cam

For viewers looking to catch the action on television, the Cup Series race will be broadcast on USA Network, while the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will air on The CW. Additionally, fans seeking a more immersive experience can tune into HBO Max's Driver Cam, which offers unique on-board perspectives and driver/team radio audio for an enhanced viewing experience.

The Cook Out Southern 500 is not just another race; it is the starting point for the Chase, which consists of ten races for the Cup Series and nine for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series to crown their respective champions. As the drivers prepare to battle for supremacy, the current standings reflect the competitive nature of the series.

In the Cup Series Chase standings, Denny Hamlin leads the pack, followed by Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick, who are trailing by 25 and 35 points, respectively. Other notable drivers include Ty Gibbs, Chase Briscoe, and Christopher Bell, all vying for a strong finish as they enter this critical phase of the season.

Meanwhile, in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Justin Allgaier holds the top position, with Carson Kvapil and Sheldon Creed close behind. The competition is fierce, and every point matters as these drivers aim to secure their place in the championship race.

The Darlington weekend promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and strategy as NASCAR fans gear up for one of the most significant events of the season.