Southern 500 Preview: NASCAR’s Chase Begins at Darlington

Photo by: Greg AtkinsThe NASCAR Cup Series is officially entering championship mode.After 26 races of regular season competition, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase begins Sunday at one of the toughest tracks on the schedule: Darlington Raceway. The Cook Out Southern 500 will serve as the opening race of the 10 race championship battle, putting 16 playoff drivers under the microscope from the moment the green flag flies.The race is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, at 5 p.m. ET and will be broadc