Between the tweaked spoiler package and Ryan Preece calling his improbable shot, last weekend’s contest at Daytona was as good as it’s been in a while. For better or worse, Preece’s ticket into The Chase came at the expense of SVG losing his grip on the postseason. Props to the #60 team for muscling their way into Cup Series Championship contention for a second RFK Racing entry in contention. The field of 16 is now set with Denny Hamlin earning the largest head start on the group.
The Chase kicks off with the Southern 500 Sunday night. Tyler Reddick won here in the spring, although this crown jewel race is an animal all its own. It’s an endurance test on a track that changes through the evening. Chase Briscoe has his sights set on a Tom Emanski back-to-back-to-back heater after winning the last two Southern 500s!
Referring to the ifantasyrace.com Similar Track Guide, Darlington Raceway is unique in size and shape from any other track on the Cup Series circuit. Plus its worn, abrasive surface adds a significant challenge on par with Homestead-Miami that calls for four fresh Goodyears at each pit stop (pending availability). There is no primary comp because of this combination of factors. However, we can lean on Homestead and Dover as lower-weighted secondary comps for their shared characteristics. The re-emergence of Chicagoland – another high-wear intermediate – adds another recent race to the mix.
2026 Southern 500 – Race Details
- Track type: intermediate – high tire wear
- Track length: 1.366 mi.
- Laps/total miles: 357 / 501.32
- Stage lengths (laps): 115/115/137
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