The Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway is set to highlight Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin in an exhilarating contest. Known as “The Lady in Black,” Darlington features a rich history, challenging drivers with its steep banking and abrasive asphalt. Scheduled for August 31, the race is part of the Cup Series Playoffs and promises excitement over 367 laps. Fans are enthusiastic to see if Larson can capitalize on his odds or if Hamlin will thwart his ambitions. Further details about the event are revealing.
Key Highlights
- The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington is the opening race of the Cup Series Playoffs, scheduled for Sunday, August 31 at 6:00 p.m. ET.
- Darlington Raceway, known as “The Lady in Black,” features a challenging egg-shaped oval design with steep banking.
- Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin are among the top contenders, with odds of +500 and +575 respectively for the Southern 500.
- The race consists of 367 laps, promising an exciting showdown between favorites and potential dark horses.
- Prior events include practice sessions and qualifying leading up to the Southern 500, enhancing the racing weekend experience.
The Legacy of Darlington Raceway
The legacy of Darlington Raceway is steeped in tradition and challenge, marking it as a cornerstone of NASCAR history. Opened in 1950 as NASCAR’s initial true superspeedway, Darlington quickly established itself with its distinctive egg-shaped oval, a design necessitated by the preservation of a neighboring minnow pond.
Known affectionately as “The Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” it presents unique challenges with its steep banking of 23 to 25 degrees in the turns and a notoriously abrasive asphalt surface. This complexity has continually tested drivers, shaping a narrative of resilience and skill.
As the Southern 500 returns, the track’s rich history and impressive reputation come to the forefront, ensuring it remains an enduring symbol of competitive excellence in motorsport.
Legends of the Southern 500
Throughout its storied history, the Southern 500 has been a proving ground for racing legends, each competing for a place in the annals of NASCAR lore.
Dominating the records, David Pearson stands as the unrivaled king with ten victories, while Dale Earnhardt follows closely with nine. The legacy continues with Jeff Gordon and his six titles, emphasizing the event’s competitive nature.
David Pearson reigns supreme with ten victories, while Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon add to the Southern 500’s legendary legacy.
Bobby Allison, a Hall of Famer and architect of the “Alabama Gang,” further enriches this narrative with four wins.
Recent victories, such as Chase Briscoe’s dramatic 2024 victory, reflect the Southern 500’s enduring charm.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming event, the Southern 500 remains a quintessential stage for racing excellence, highlighting the sport’s most impressive talents.
Friday, August 29 – Opening Day Schedule
August 29 marks the beginning of an action-packed race weekend at Darlington, setting the stage for the Southern 500.
The day opens at 2:00 p.m. ET with Menards West Series practice at Portland International Raceway, establishing a rhythm for drivers and teams. This is followed by Craftsman Truck Series practice at Darlington at 3:05 p.m. ET, which airs on FS2, allowing fans to engage with the unfolding strategies.
Just 15 minutes later, Portland hosts West Series qualifying at 3:20 p.m. ET, heightening the competition’s intensity. At 4:10 p.m. ET, the Truck Series takes center stage for qualifying on FS2.
NASCAR
Darlington
ETFri
3-FS2-Truck p&qSat
9-TruTV-Cup p&q
12-FS1-Truck race 45-45-57Sun
5:30-USA-Prerace
6-USA-Cup race 115-115-137
NWS:80s, 70s pm, 25%rainPortland
ET
Fri
2-West p&q
7-Flo-West 57Sat-Xfin
3-CW App-Xfin p&q
7-CW-Prerace
7:30-CW-Xfin 25-25-25
NWS:80s,5%— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 26, 2025
The evening culminates with the Portland 112, a 57-lap race at 7:00 p.m. ET, streamed on FloRacing, highlighting emerging talent.
Saturday, August 30 – A Jam-Packed Day
A full schedule awaits on Saturday, August 30, as multiple racing series converge for an exciting day at Darlington.
The Cup Series kicks off with practice at 9:00 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 10:10 a.m. ET, both broadcasted on truTV with MRN radio coverage. This sets the stage for the intense competition ahead.
The Cup Series begins at 9:00 a.m. ET with practice, followed by qualifying at 10:10 a.m. ET on truTV.
At noon, the Truck Series will take center stage with the Sober or Slammer 200, an essential playoff race comprising 147 laps, shown on FS1 and MRN.
The Xfinity Series then shifts the action, beginning practice at 3:00 p.m. ET and group qualifying at 4:05 p.m. ET, culminating in the Pacific Office Automation 147 race at 7:30 p.m. ET, before the day’s finale with the Toyota Mod Classic 150.
Sunday, August 31 – The Main Event and Odds to Watch
The excitement of the NASCAR weekend culminates on Sunday, August 31, with the highly anticipated Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, an event that not only serves as the crown jewel of the weekend but also marks the opening race of the Cup Series Playoffs. This 367-lap contest is set to ignite the competition at 6:00 p.m. ET on USA Network, following the earlier Canadian NASCAR Series event.
| Driver | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | +500 |
| Denny Hamlin | +575 |
| Ryan Blaney | +600 |
| William Byron | +600 |
| Tyler Reddick | +700 |
As playoff dynamics unfold, both favorites and dark horses emerge, promising an exhilarating race amid intense challenges.
News In Brief: Southern 500 Showdown Will Larson and Hamlin Clash at Darlington
As the Southern 500 approaches, Darlington Raceway stands as a symbol of NASCAR’s rich history, drawing fans and drivers similarly to its storied track. With Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin ready for an exciting confrontation, the anticipation builds for an unforgettable race weekend. As the legacy of the Southern 500 unfolds, all eyes will be on these two competitors, each seeking to etch their name into the annals of NASCAR history amidst the challenge of the “Lady in Black.”
ALSO READ: Denny Hamlin Reveals Secrets Behind NASCAR’s Unpredictable Race Dynamics at Darlington Raceway
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Denny Hamlin ever won Darlington?
A. Denny Hamlin claimed victory at Darlington Raceway, with the full NASCAR Cup Series results, running order, and leaderboard available from the event.
Q. Who are the favorites to win at Darlington?
A. The latest NASCAR odds for Darlington list five top favorites: Kyle Larson (+500), William Byron (+650), Ryan Blaney (+700), Tyler Reddick (+700), and Denny Hamlin (+750).
Q. Has Kyle Larson ever won Darlington?
A. Kyle Larson captured the Southern 500 at Darlington in 2023 and holds the second-best average finish among active drivers at the historic venue.
