started · updated
Darlington Raceway to host NASCAR Cup Series postseason opener
Darlington Raceway is set to host the Cook Out Southern 500 on September 6, 2026, marking the first race of the NASCAR Cup Series postseason, known as The Chase. The event features 367 laps on the 1.366-mile asphalt track.
In qualifying for the Cup Series, Chad Finchum secured the first position, followed by Cody Ware and Erik Jones. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Series, Dawson Cram took the top qualifying spot.
Ahead of the race, analyst Kevin Harvick has named Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe as his favorite to win. Briscoe, a defending winner of the event, enters the race as one of the 16 playoff drivers. Other analysts have highlighted Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney as strong contenders.
Front Row Motorsports has announced that Southeastern Equipment and Supply and Tennant Company Robotics will make their NASCAR debut as primary sponsors for Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team.
Entities
Chase Briscoe · Darlington Raceway · Joe Gibbs Racing · Kevin Harvick · NASCAR
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Southeastern Equipment and Supply and Tennant Company Robotics will debut as sponsors for Noah Gragson's No. 4 team. speedwaymedia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Chad Finchum secured the top position in the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying order. racingnews.co
- [● 2 SOURCES] The race is scheduled for September 6, 2026, at Darlington Raceway. speedwaymedia.com · www.sportskeeda.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Analyst Kevin Harvick predicted Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing as the favorite to win the race. www.sportskeeda.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway serves as the first race of the NASCAR Cup Series postseason. speedwaymedia.com · www.sportskeeda.com · racingnews.co