After seven months of thrilling action in the NASCAR Cup Series, we have reached the Cook Out Southern 500. This race at Darlington Raceway is the second one of the year and serves as the finale for the regular season, providing the last chance to finalize the standings before the playoffs commence with 10 crucial races.

Last week’s dramatic race at Daytona ended with Harrison Burton claiming his first Cup Series victory amidst a chaotic scene where many drivers faced crashes. This win now means that 13 out of the 16 playoff spots are filled by drivers who have secured victories in 2024. A fresh winner this weekend could significantly alter the playoff landscape as we look ahead to the opening round at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The distinctive egg-shaped oval of Darlington is recognized as one of the most difficult tracks, presenting its own unique challenges. While it may not reach the high speeds seen at Daytona, it still puts drivers to the test with considerable tire wear expected.

Will Sunday night see another new winner emerge to secure a place in the playoffs? Here’s everything you need to know about the Cook Out Southern 500:

When is the Start Time for the NASCAR Cup Race at Darlington?

The Cook Out Southern 500 is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday at Darlington Raceway located in Darlington, South Carolina.

What Channel Will Broadcast the NASCAR Cup Race at Darlington?

The Cook Out Southern 500 will air on USA Network, with the pre-race show starting at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Is There a Live Stream Available for the NASCAR Cup Race at Darlington?

You can live stream the Cook Out Southern 500 on the NBCSports website and the NBC Sports app. It will also be available for streaming on Fubo.

How Many Laps Will the NASCAR Cup Race at Darlington Feature?

The Cook Out Southern 500 consists of 367 laps around the 1.366-mile raceway, adding up to a distance of 501.322 miles. The race is divided into three segments (laps per stage): Stage 1: 115 laps; Stage 2: 115 laps; Stage 3: 137 laps.

Who Recently Won NASCAR Cup Races at Darlington?

Brad Keselowski ended a 110-race winless streak during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington in May. The 2012 Cup Series champion took over the lead with just 10 laps remaining after a collision involving Tyler Reddick and Chris Buescher that sent both drivers to pit lane.

In the previous year, the Cook Out Southern 500 was the start of the Cup Series playoffs, where Kyle Larson dominated the last 55 laps to win against Reddick and Buescher.

Which Drivers Have Secured Spots in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs?

A regular season win guarantees a place in the playoffs. As of now, 13 drivers have clinched their positions following last week’s results at Daytona:

• William Byron (Daytona 500, EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, Cook Out 400)
• Daniel Suárez (Ambetter Health 400)
• Kyle Larson (Pennzoil 400, AdventHealth 400, Toyota/Save Mart 350, Brickyard 400)
• Christopher Bell (Shriners Children’s 500, Coca-Cola 600, YSL News 301)
• Denny Hamlin (Food City 500, Toyota Owners 400, Würth 400)
• Chase Elliott (Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400)
• Tyler Reddick (GEICO 500, FireKeepers Casino 400)
• Brad Keselowski (Goodyear 400)
• Austin Cindric (Enjoy Illinois 300)
• Ryan Blaney (Iowa Corn 350, Great American Getaway 400)
• Joey Logano (Ally 400)
• Alex Bowman (Grant Park 165)
• Harrison Burton (Coke Zero Sugar 400)

NOTE: Although Austin Dillon claimed victory on August 11 at Richmond Raceway, his automatic playoff spot was revoked after a thorough review of the final lap and communication from the Richard Childress Racing No. 3 team. He collided with both Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap before crossing the finish line. An appeals panel confirmed the penalty.

What is the Driver Lineup for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington?

• 1. Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing, Toyota
• 2. Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports, Chevrolet
• 3. Chase Briscoe, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford
• 4. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
• 5. Martin Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
• 6. Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing, Toyota
• 7. Ryan Blaney, Team Penske, Ford
• 8. William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
• 9. Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
• 10. Chris Buescher, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Ford
• 11. Austin Cindric, Team Penske, Ford
• 12. Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Ford
• 13. Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
• 14. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
• 15. Josh Berry, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford
• 16. Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet
• 17. Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet
• 18. John Hunter Nemechek, Legacy Motor Club, Toyota
• 19. Corey Lajoie, Spire Motorsports, Chevrolet
• 20. Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
• 21. Justin Haley, Rick Ware Racing, Chevrolet
• 22. Ross Chastain, Trackhouse
  • 1. Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • 2. William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • 3. Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
  • 4. Martin Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
  • 5. Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford
  • 6. Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • 7. Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet
  • 8. Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota
  • 9. Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, Ford
  • 10. Ryan Blaney, Team Penske, Ford
  • 11. Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing, Toyota
  • 12. Joey Logano, Team Penske, Ford
  • 13. Michael McDowell, Front Row Motorsports, Ford
  • 14. Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing, Chevrolet
  • 15. Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • 16. Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club, Toyota
  • 17. Noah Gragson, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford
  • 18. Ryan Preece, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford
  • 19. Zane Smith, Spire Motorsports, Chevrolet
  • 20. Daniel Hemric, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet
  • 21. Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports, Ford
  • 22. Shane van Gisbergen, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet
  • 23. Kaz Grala, Rick Ware Racing, Chevrolet
  • 24. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., JTG Daugherty Racing, Chevrolet
  • 25. Timmy Hill, Power Source, Ford