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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 08: Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 Monster Energy Toyota, Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fry’s/Artesano/Kraft Ford, Connor Zilisch, driver of the #88 Wendy’s Chevrolet, and AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 Campers Inn RV Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 08, 2026 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Darlington Raceway will once again play a key role in the 2026 NASCAR season. The historic South Carolina track keeps its place as one of the most demanding stops on the calendar. Known as the “Track Too Tough to Tame,” Darlington tests drivers with its narrow racing line and worn surface.
The 2026 schedule features two main race weekends. One comes early in the season, while the other opens the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. All three national series will compete during the year.
The track will also host several fan events. From competitive racing to community activities, Darlington remains a central part of NASCAR’s tradition in 2026.
Darlington Raceway Spring Weekend Opens with Tripleheader
The first Darlington race weekend runs from March 20 to March 22. It features a full lineup across NASCAR’s top three series. The action begins on Friday night with the Buckle Up South Carolina 200. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race starts at 7:30 p.m. ET. It also serves as the opening race of the 2026 Triple Truck Challenge, which offers a $50,000 bonus to eligible drivers.
On Saturday, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes the track for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200. That race is set for 5:30 p.m. ET. Earlier in the day, Darlington hosts the Legends Parade at 10:00 a.m., bringing past drivers and figures back to the track.
The weekend ends on Sunday with the Goodyear 400 at 3:00 p.m. ET. This race marks the sixth event of the NASCAR Cup Series season. It gives teams an early test at one of the sport’s toughest tracks.
The Chase Begins with the Southern 500 Weekend
Darlington returns to the schedule on September 5 and 6. This weekend is of great importance because The Chase for NASCAR Cup Series starts. The pressure rises as drivers compete for a spot in the next round.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET. It marks the series’ second visit to Darlington in 2026.
On Sunday, the Cook Out Southern 500 takes place at 5:00 p.m. ET. This race serves as the Chase opener. The winner secures an automatic place in the Round of 12 under the “win, and you’re in” format. The event remains one of the most historic races in NASCAR.
Fan Events Add to the Darlington Experience
Darlington will also host several events for fans during the year. These activities bring people closer to the track beyond race weekends.
Track Laps for Charity lets fans drive their own cars on the speedway in exchange for a donation. One of these sessions is set for March 19.
The Speed and Feed BBQ Festival will take place on May 16. The event combines food, music, and racing culture with barbecue contests and vendors.
The NASCAR Racing Experience will also return on select dates, including March 28, May 16, and September 26. Fans can drive real race cars at the track during these sessions.
Darlington’s layout remains unchanged. Drivers still deal with the “Darlington Stripe,” which comes from contact with the wall. These features continue to make the track one of the toughest challenges on the NASCAR schedule.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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