NASCAR has revealed the qualifying order for the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500, scheduled for August 31 at Darlington Raceway. Riley Herbst from 23XI Racing will lead the initial lap, followed by competitors from Legacy Motor Club. The qualifying format focuses on driver performance, with conditions on the track playing a vital role in strategy. Fans can expect an exciting weekend of races and events. More details about the event and the weekend activities await.
Key Highlights
- The Cook Out Southern 500 is scheduled for August 31, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET at Darlington Raceway.
- The qualifying order announcement is crucial for building excitement leading up to the race weekend.
- Riley Herbst from 23XI Racing is set to lead the initial lap in the qualifying order.
- Track conditions will significantly impact drivers’ strategies during the qualifying rounds.
- The competitive spirit of NASCAR is exemplified through diverse qualifying strategies and driver performances.
Southern 500 Weekend Overview
As the sun sets over Darlington Raceway, anticipation builds for the 76th annual Cook Out Southern 500, the highlight of the NASCAR Cup Series’ 2025 season.
This prestigious event, a 367-lap race set to commence at 6 p.m. ET on August 31, displays the intricacies of race strategies that teams have carefully developed.
Driver preparations are at their peak, with each competitor fine-tuning their vehicles to navigate the unique challenges of the Darlington track.
Team dynamics play a vital role, as crew members collaborate to execute flawless pit stops and adjustments throughout the race.
Fans can expect an invigorating weekend, enriched by the historical performances of legendary drivers, creating a thrilling atmosphere that celebrates the rich tradition of NASCAR racing.
Track Specs and History
Located in Darlington, South Carolina, the Darlington Raceway is renowned for its unique oval configuration and rich history in NASCAR. As a 1.366-mile track, it is distinguished by its challenging banking angles that greatly impact race strategy.
| Feature | Specification | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1.366 miles | Key aspect of track dimensions analysis |
| Banking (Turns 1 & 2) | 25 degrees | Improves cornering speed |
| Banking (Turns 3 & 4) | 23 degrees | Affects tire wear and handling |
| Frontstretch Banking | 3 degrees | Influences overtaking opportunities |
| Backstretch Banking | 2 degrees | Provides a unique racing dynamic |
The Darlington Raceway history is marked by the evolution of the Southern 500 and crucial NASCAR milestones, cementing its status in motorsport lore.
Weekend Events Beyond Cup
The weekend at Darlington Raceway promises to be an thrilling display of motorsport, featuring not only the prestigious Cook Out Southern 500 but also an exciting NASCAR Truck Series race.
Fans can anticipate in-depth Driver Insights as competitors take to the track, demonstrating their skills and strategies in both events. Engaging opportunities for Fan Engagement abound, with interactive activities designed to improve Race Day Experiences.
Fans can look forward to immersive Driver Insights and interactive activities that enhance their Race Day Experiences.
Attendees will have the chance to connect with their favorite drivers, investigate team merchandise, and participate in Q&A sessions.
Furthermore, local attractions near the raceway provide an ideal complement to the weekend, offering visitors a taste of the region’s culture and cuisine.
This combination of racing and community guarantees an unforgettable experience for all.
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NASCAR Qualifying Order Announcement
With anticipation building for the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, NASCAR has revealed the qualifying order, setting the stage for an exhilarating race weekend.
The announcement, shared by FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, highlights the tactical elements of qualifying that could impact race predictions and driver performance.
- Riley Herbst from 23XI Racing leads the pack, running the initial lap.
- Legacy Motor Club follows closely behind in the qualifying order.
- Track conditions will play a vital role in shaping qualifying strategies.
As teams gear up for the session, fans can expect a thrilling experience as drivers navigate the unique challenges of Darlington, amplifying the stakes for the upcoming race.
Qualifying orders for Cup and truck at Darlington and groups for Xfinity at Portland. pic.twitter.com/bRRsl3ped5
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 27, 2025
Complete Qualifying Order
Excitement surrounds the complete qualifying order for the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500, as NASCAR prepares for an invigorating weekend at Darlington Raceway. The qualifying format emphasizes driver performance while considering track conditions, allowing teams to implement diverse strategies. This crucial event promises to improve fan engagement, highlighting the competitive spirit of the series.
Group A
| S.No | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 35 | Riley Herbst |
| 2 | 4 | Noah Gragson |
| 3 | 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. |
| 4 | 44 | Derek Kraus |
| 5 | 66 | Timmy Hill |
| 6 | 77 | Carson Hocevar |
| 7 | 38 | Zane Smith |
| 8 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 9 | 10 | Ty Dillon |
| 10 | 51 | Cody Ware |
| 11 | 16 | A.J. Allmendinger |
| 12 | 42 | John Hunter Nemechek |
| 13 | 6 | Brad Keselowski |
| 14 | 34 | Todd Gilliland |
| 15 | 71 | Michael McDowell |
| 16 | 60 | Ryan Preece |
| 17 | 41 | Cole Custer |
| 18 | 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 19 | 7 | Justin Haley |
Group B
| S.No | Car No. | Driver |
| 1 | 43 | Erik Jones |
| 2 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 3 | 99 | Daniel Suarez |
| 4 | 2 | Austin Cindric (P) |
| 5 | 48 | Alex Bowman (P) |
| 6 | 23 | Bubba Wallace (P) |
| 7 | 22 | Joey Logano (P) |
| 8 | 3 | Austin Dillon (P) |
| 9 | 45 | Tyler Reddick (P) |
| 10 | 19 | Chase Briscoe (P) |
| 11 | 11 | Denny Hamlin (P) |
| 12 | 24 | William Byron (P) |
| 13 | 1 | Ross Chastain (P) |
| 14 | 88 | Shane van Gisbergen (P) |
| 15 | 20 | Christopher Bell (P) |
| 16 | 21 | Josh Berry (P) |
| 17 | 9 | Chase Elliott (P) |
| 18 | 5 | Kyle Larson (P) |
| 19 | 12 | Ryan Blaney (P) |
As teams prepare to optimize their approaches, the anticipation builds for an exciting race at this historic venue.
News In Brief: NASCAR Announces 2025 Qualifying Order for Cook Out Southern 500
As excitement builds for the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500, NASCAR’s announcement of the qualifying order sets the stage for an electrifying weekend. With a rich history and unique track specifications, this iconic event promises to deliver thrilling racing action. Fans can look forward to a variety of activities beyond the Cup series, enhancing the complete experience. As teams prepare to compete, anticipation rises for who will secure the coveted pole position in this prestigious race.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to NASCAR’s Cook Out Southern 500 Weekend!
