The NASCAR Goodyear 400 weekend 2025 at Darlington Raceway promises high-speed drama and legendary challenges. As the track’s notorious “Lady in Black” prepares to test its contenders, will Brad Keselowski defend his crown or will a new driver rise to the occasion? With a legacy of NASCAR icons, Darlington’s egg-shaped layout will push the limits of skill and strategy. With intense action unfolding throughout the weekend, this is one event where history and future collide.
Key Highlights
- The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway is on Sunday, April 6, 2025, starting at 3:00 PM ET.
- The race will be broadcast live on FS1 and MRN, featuring the Next Gen car.
- The weekend schedule includes Cup Series practice and qualifying on Saturday, April 5.
- The track is known for its challenging 1.366-mile egg-shaped layout with steep banking.
- The event is part of the NASCAR Cup Series, promising action at “The Track Too Tough to Tame.
Race Overview and Broadcast Details
Although many fans enthusiastically await the thrill of NASCAR races, the 2025 Goodyear 400 promises to be a standout event in the season calendar. Scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at the historic Darlington Raceway, the race marks the eighth points-paying event of the NASCAR Cup Series.
This distinguished competition will begin at 3:00 PM ET, offering fans a live viewing experience on FS1 and MRN.
Darlington, known for its challenging layout, will once again play host to the Next Gen car, marking its seventh appearance at this iconic venue.
Enthusiasts and analysts similarly anticipate a riveting display of skill and strategy as drivers navigate the demanding course. The Goodyear 400 not only represents a crucial moment in the series but also emphasizes NASCAR’s commitment to delivering high-octane entertainment.
As the engines roar to life, viewers can expect a compelling blend of tradition and innovation.
Track and Race Format
The Goodyear 400‘s reputation as a must-see event is not only due to its electrifying race day but also the distinct challenge posed by Darlington Raceway itself. This 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval is renowned for its unique configuration and demanding nature, earning the moniker “Track Too Tough to Tame.”
From 1950 to 2025…
We celebrate #Darlington75 with you 🎉 #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/bqzFZsneow
— Darlington Raceway (@TooToughToTame) March 31, 2025
Its singular character is defined by:
- Banking Variability: With 25 degrees in turns 1 and 2, and 23 degrees in turns 3 and 4, coupled with minimal banking on the stretches, drivers face ever-shifting dynamics.
- Stage Format: The race is tactically divided into three stages: Stage 1 concludes at Lap 90, Stage 2 at Lap 185, and the Final Stage wraps up at Lap 293.
- Historical Significance: Since 1952, when Dick Rathmann claimed victory in the inaugural Goodyear 400, Darlington has remained a symbol of NASCAR’s enduring allure.
This race’s intricate design and storied legacy demand precision, skill, and resilience from every driver.
Key Competitors and Historical Context
As the Goodyear 400 approaches, anticipation builds around both the seasoned veterans and emerging talents set to compete on Darlington’s historic stage.
Brad Keselowski, the RFK Racing driver, returns as the defending champion, having clinched victory in the 2024 edition. His experience and tactical skill make him a formidable contender once more as he seeks to carve his name further into Darlington’s storied history.
Historically, Darlington has been a proving ground for legends, with NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson holding the record with seven wins. His dominance during the golden era of racing set a benchmark for those who followed.
Close behind him is the iconic Dale Earnhardt, whose six victories reflect his enduring legacy at this track.
The current crop of drivers must navigate the treacherous “Lady in Black,” a track known for its unforgiving nature, to etch their own legacies in NASCAR lore.
Full Weekend Schedule for the 2025 Goodyear 400
Race enthusiasts and analysts converge on Darlington Raceway for a thoroughly packed weekend schedule at the 2025 Goodyear 400. This historic venue will once again challenge drivers with its renowned difficulty, offering a feast of adrenaline-pumping events.
The schedule unfolds as follows:
- Saturday, April 5:
- 10:05 AM ET marks the commencement of the NASCAR Xfinity Series practice, followed by qualifying at 11:10 AM ET.
- The NASCAR Cup Series takes the spotlight with practice at 12:35 PM ET and qualifying at 1:40 PM ET.
- Culminating the day, the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 (Xfinity Series) races at 3:30 PM ET.
- Sunday, April 6:
- At 3:00 PM ET, the main event, the Goodyear 400 (Cup Series), commands the track.
Darlington
ETSat
10:05-CW App-Xfinity p&q
12:35-Prime-Cup p&q
3-CW-NASCAR Countdown
3:30-CW-Xfinity race 45-45-57Sun
2-FS1-NASCAR RaceDay
3-FS1-Cup race 90-95-108— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 31, 2025
Fans can tune in to FS1 and MRN for extensive coverage, ensuring none of the high-octane action is missed.
News in Brief: NASCAR Goodyear 400 Weekend 2025
As the 2025 Goodyear 400 weekend approaches, fans and competitors together are bracing for the electrifying spectacle that Darlington Raceway promises. This historic track, notorious for its unforgiving nature, will test the mettle of NASCAR’s elite. With its storied past and formidable reputation, each lap will echo with the tension of past battles and the promise of new legends. The weekend’s events are poised to captivate, ensuring an unforgettable chapter in the annals of motorsport history.
ALSO READ: Ford Dominates Goodyear 400: Richard Petty’s Bold Stance on Dark Horse
