Can the Favorites Survive the Southern 500?

Photo by: Greg AtkinsThe NASCAR Cup Series playoffs officially begin this weekend, and the 2026 Chase couldn’t have a tougher opening race.The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway will kick off the 10-race championship battle Sunday, putting all 16 playoff drivers through one of NASCAR’s most demanding tests. The 1.366-mile “Lady in Black” will host a 367-lap, 501-mile race where simply surviving can be just as important as winning.With the championship on the line