DARLINGTON, SC (WMBF) – NASCAR’s postseason is almost here, and the path to the championship is set to begin on one of the sport’s most legendary tracks.
The Cook Out Southern 500 weekend is scheduled to kick off the postseason chase at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 5 and 6.
This year’s highly anticipated event will mark the official return of the NASCAR Chase postseason format, serving as the opening playoff race for both the NASCAR O’Reilly Series and the NASCAR Cup Series.
Darlington Raceway Track President Josh Harris said excitement is building as the regular season draws to a dramatic close.
Harris noted that while the regular season has provided plenty of dramatic storylines, the slate will completely reset once the drivers arrive in Darlington.
Known throughout sports as the “Too Tough to Tame” track, Darlington has tested drivers for 76 years. Harris compared the track’s status in stock car racing to legendary venues like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Lambeau Field.
He explained that the track’s distinct egg-shaped design, featuring narrow turns in three and four alongside a wider radius in turns one and two, creates a unique physical and mental challenge for drivers.
The race weekend also serves as a major financial driver for the region, generating just over $100 million in economic impact for the Pee Dee region alone and more than $112 million across South Carolina, Harris said.
The track president also added that he expects fans from all 50 states and 10 foreign countries to travel to the “Lady in Black.”
The weekend events are scheduled to begin Thursday evening with Track Laps for Charity, allowing fans to drive three laps around the speedway for $30 to support local Pee Dee organizations.
Friday will feature a track-hosted blood drive during the day followed by the traditional Cup Series hauler showcase and parade in the evening.
On-track action begins Saturday evening with the Fleetio 200 O’Reilly Series race at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Cup Series main event on Sunday.
Harris emphasized that the weekend is designed to be accessible for families, with free admission for children 12 and under on Saturday and ticket prices for children starting at $15 on Sunday. Special discount offers are also available for active military, first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers.
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