The NASCAR season is gearing up for an exciting Labor Day weekend, highlighted by the prestigious Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 6. This race marks the beginning of the NASCAR Cup Series Chase, a critical phase in the season where drivers compete for the championship title.
On September 5, the action kicks off with the Fleetio 200, part of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, alongside practice and qualifying sessions for both the Cup and O'Reilly series. This weekend not only features the Southern 500 but also sees the commencement of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase, adding further excitement to the race schedule.
The Southern 500 is considered one of the crown jewel events in NASCAR, and it opens the Cup Series Chase, which consists of ten races without driver eliminations or rounds. This format allows drivers to focus on performance without the pressure of immediate eliminations, making each race crucial for their championship aspirations.
Fans looking to catch all the action can refer to the full on-track schedule at Darlington Raceway. All times are listed in Central Time, with the weekend's events taking place at the historic track known for its challenging layout and rich racing heritage.
On Saturday, September 5, the schedule includes:
12:30 p.m. — NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series practice and qualifying, available on the CW app.
3 p.m. — NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying, broadcast on truTV.
6:30 p.m. — Fleetio 200 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race (147 laps, 200 miles), airing on the CW Network.
Then, on Sunday, September 6, the main event will take place:
4 p.m. — Cook Out Southern 500 NASCAR Cup Series race (367 laps, 501.32 miles), which will be shown on USA Network and HBO MAX, featuring in-car cameras for a unique viewing experience.
This weekend promises to be a thrilling showcase of NASCAR talent and competition, as drivers vie for position in the early stages of the Chase. With the Southern 500 being a fan-favorite, it is expected to draw a significant audience both in the stands and on television.
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