Darlington launches NASCAR playoffs with Cook Out Southern 500
NXTbets Pro | Published On: September 2, 2026
Southern 500 opens
The 2026 NASCAR playoffs begin at Darlington Raceway this weekend with the Cook Out Southern 500, and the race opens the 10-race Cup Series Chase. The Southern 500 is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET Sunday. USA Network and HBO Max will air the race. MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will carry the broadcast on radio. Darlington Raceway is a 1.366-mile track, and it has hosted 130 NASCAR Cup Series races from 1950 through 2025.
Darlington Saturday schedule
Saturday’s schedule at Darlington Raceway starts with O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice and qualifying, then moves to Cup Series practice and qualifying. The Fleetio 200 opens the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase and is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday. The CW and ESPN Unlimited will air the race. Darlington Raceway is the same 1.366-mile track that hosts the Cup opener.
Darlington qualifying order
Chad Finchum leads Cup Series qualifying with a metric score of 40.100. Cody Ware is second at 35.600 and Erik Jones is third at 33.600. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying order is headed by Dawson Cram at 40.400. Jake Finch is second at 33.200 and Daniel Dye is third at 32.300. The qualifying results set the order before Saturday night’s Fleetio 200 and Sunday evening’s Southern 500.
