The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway for the 77th running of the Southern 500, marking the high-stakes opening round of the 2026 Chase for the championship. This grueling 500-mile battle promises intense action as drivers vie for a crucial playoff position. Chase Briscoe aims to make history by securing a third consecutive Southern 500 victory, while Denny Hamlin enters the postseason as the championship points leader.
Here is everything fans need to know to watch the action, including the full weekend schedule, viewing details, and the entry list.
Saturday, September 5
1:30pm EST — NASCAR O’Reilly practice — CW APP / ESPN UNLIMITED
2:35pm EST — NASCAR O’Reilly qualifying — CW APP / ESPN UNLIMITED
4:00pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice — truTV / HBO Max
5:10pm EST — NASCAR Cup qualifying — truTV / HBO Max
7:30pm EST — NASCAR O’Reilly race [147 laps] — THE CW / ESPN UNLIMITED
Sunday, September 6
4:30pm EST — NASCAR Cup pre-race show — USA
5:10pm EST — NASCAR Cup Series race [367 laps] — USA
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet; Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images
How to watch the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington?
- Date: Sunday, September 5
- Green flag: 5:10pm EST
- Laps/Miles: 367 laps / 500 miles
- Stages: 115 / 115 / 137
- Sets of tires: 13 sets
- TV channel: USA | TSN (Canada) | Other international viewing options
- Live stream: USA
- Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Watch: Chase Briscoe fends off Tyler Reddick for Southern 500 victory
Who is competing in the Southern 500 at Darlington?
There are 38 entries for the 77th running of the Southern 500, including two open teams — the No. 66 ‘Garage 66’ Ford of Chad Finchum, and the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota of Corey Heim.
Open entries italicized
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