The Cook Out Southern 500 is set to launch the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Darlington Raceway, carrying both historic weight and unpredictable conditions. As drivers prepare for the grueling 367-lap event on August 31, weather forecasts loom as a critical factor. With warm temperatures and a slight chance of rain late on race day, teams must stay alert to changes. Meanwhile, the Xfinity and West Series in Portland are expected to enjoy a mostly dry and warm weekend.
Key Highlights
The Cook Out Southern 500 takes place on August 31, 2025, at Darlington Raceway, featuring 367 laps across three stages
NASCAR Cup Series practice starts on August 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 10:10 a.m. ET
The full weekend includes ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Truck Series events on August 29, 2025, prior to Cup Series activities
The Cook Out Southern 500 marks the 62nd annual event, celebrating its historic significance and legacy in NASCAR
Defending champion Chase Briscoe aims to secure victory in this iconic race, known for its tactical challenges and fan engagement
Main Event Details
The 2025 Cook Out Southern 500 will be held on August 31, marking the start of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Drivers will compete across 367 laps divided into three stages of 115, 115, and 137 laps. Each stage presents unique challenges, especially with tire wear and pit strategy central to success. Teams are expected to lean heavily on precision in the pits and adaptability on track. With every playoff point at stake, the event offers far more than a race—it sets the tone for the postseason.
Track and History
Darlington Raceway, known as “The Track Too Tough To Tame,” has tested drivers since opening in 1950. Its 1.366-mile layout, with steep banking of 25 degrees in Turns 1 and 2 and 23 degrees in Turns 3 and 4, demands constant adjustments. The Southern 500 is deeply rooted in NASCAR tradition, and 2025 will mark the 62nd running of this storied event. From Johnny Mantz’s victory in the inaugural 1950 race to decades of unforgettable battles, Darlington remains one of the toughest and most respected venues on the circuit.
Weather Outlook
The forecast for Darlington’s race weekend points to highs in the 80s with lows in the 70s during the evenings. On Sunday, August 31, there is a 25% chance of rain, most likely later in the day or evening. Such a forecast introduces a small but significant variable for race strategies, especially as track temperatures and conditions can shift quickly. In Portland, where NASCAR’s Xfinity and West Series will run, the weather outlook is more stable with highs in the 80s and only a 5% chance of rain, making it a largely dry and warm weekend for teams and fans.
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
News in Brief: Unpredictable Variables Loom Over NASCAR’s Playoff Opener at Darlington
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoff opener, the Cook Out Southern 500, runs August 31 at Darlington Raceway with 367 laps over three stages. Weekend activities include ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Truck Series races on August 29, followed by Cup practice and qualifying on August 30. Darlington’s weather outlook features highs in the 80s, lows in the 70s, and a 25% Sunday rain chance, while Portland expects mostly dry conditions with only a 5% rain risk.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to NASCAR’s Cook Out Southern 500 Weekend!
