The official schedule for the NASCAR 2025 Cook Out Southern 500 has been unveiled, setting the stage for an action-packed playoff opener on Sunday, August 31, at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. Fans can anticipate the first playoff race of the season, with the main event kicking off at 6 p.m. ET on both NBC Sports and USA Network.
The Cook Out Southern 500 stands out as the final crown jewel race of the season, drawing elite drivers from across the Cup Series to the historic Darlington Raceway. This 1.366-mile oval has been a NASCAR staple since 1950, when Johnny Mantz secured victory in the inaugural event. Now, the track prepares to host its 62nd annual running, continuing a legacy cherished by both fans and competitors.
Details of the Track and Race Structure
Darlington Raceway, renowned for its unique character, offers challenging racing with 25 degrees of banking in Turns 1 and 2 and 23 degrees in Turns 3 and 4. The frontstretch and backstretch feature three and two degrees of banking, respectively, providing a technical test for every driver. The 2025 race will witness the Next Gen car’s eighth appearance at this venue, with 37 drivers expected to go head-to-head over 367 laps and a total race distance of 501.332 miles.
The contest itself is divided into three demanding stages. The first segment ends at lap 115, the second stage runs another 115 laps, while the final showdown covers the remaining 137 laps, adding strategic depth as teams battle for precious playoff points and a shot at glory.
Standout Competitors and Historic Achievements
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe returns as the defending winner of the Cook Out Southern 500, aiming to match last year’s performance and retain his title. NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon remains the event’s most successful competitor, having notched six victories, while Cale Yarborough follows closely behind with five wins each. Their achievements set a high bar for today’s field, with every participant striving to etch their name alongside these legendary drivers.
Comprehensive Schedule for the Playoff Weekend
The playoff festivities at Darlington begin on Friday, August 29, and extend through Sunday’s headline event. The weekend features a variety of series and activities, from critical practice sessions to high-stakes qualifying rounds and support races. The ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Truck Series, and additional events like the Portland 112 and Pacific Office Automation 147 all feature on the weekend card. Cup Series drivers will hit the track for practice on Saturday morning before the key qualifying session that will determine the grid for Sunday’s main event.
Here is the complete event schedule for the 2025 playoff opener at Darlington Raceway:
Friday, August 29, 2025
2:00 p.m. ET – ARCA Menards Series practice
3:05 p.m. ET – NASCAR Truck Series practice
3:20 p.m. ET – ARCA Menards Series West qualifying
4:10 p.m. ET – NASCAR Truck Series qualifying
7:00 p.m. ET – Portland 112
Saturday, August 30, 2025
9:00 a.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series practice
10:10 a.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series qualifying
12:00 p.m. ET – Sober or Slammer 200
3:00 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series practice
4:05 p.m. ET – NASCAR Cup Series qualifying
7:30 p.m. ET – Pacific Office Automation 147
Sunday, August 31, 2025
6:00 p.m. ET – Cook Out Southern 500
What to Expect at the 2025 Playoff Opener
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff weekend at Darlington is poised to deliver intense racing and memorable moments, with top drivers including Chase Briscoe, Jeff Gordon, and Cale Yarborough adding historical weight to the event. Spectators can look forward to an energetic mix of Cup and Truck Series competition and support races, making for one of motorsport’s most anticipated weekends. With the stakes high and the playoff format intensifying every lap, the event will shape the season’s championship battle and offer a showcase of determination and strategy at the famed Darlington Raceway.
