NASCAR Playoffs Begin with Southern 500 at Darlington
The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are officially underway, and it all starts with one of the sport’s most iconic races — the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Known as “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” Darlington has always been a proving ground for the best drivers, and this year, it sets the stage for the Round of 16 in the championship chase.
The Cook Out Southern 500 is being run on Sunday, August 31, at the legendary 1.366-mile oval in South Carolina. The race distance stretches over 367 laps, adding up to a grueling 501.3 miles. The green flag is scheduled to drop around 5:05 p.m. Central Time, making it a prime-time event for fans across the country. The action will be carried nationally on USA Network, while those tuning in through radio can listen on MRN or SiriusXM. For fans who prefer streaming, options include Fubo for live coverage or HBO Max, which provides unique in-car camera views for every driver.
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This opening playoff race is especially intriguing because Denny Hamlin will start from the pole. Hamlin has already proven to be a force at Darlington this season, and now he’s aiming to sweep both Cup Series races at the track in 2025. His consistency on intermediate tracks and his playoff experience make him one of the favorites heading into this round.
The structure of the playoffs adds even more pressure. Sixteen drivers enter this first stage, with races at Darlington, World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, and Bristol Motor Speedway determining who advances. Each round trims the field until only four drivers remain to battle for the championship at Phoenix in November. Because of that format, every lap at Darlington carries weight — not just for the win, but for playoff points that could be the difference between moving on or being eliminated.
Darlington itself is a challenge unlike any other. Its odd, egg-shaped design forces teams to compromise on car setups, meaning drivers are constantly adapting from one end of the track to the other. Tire management is also critical, as the abrasive surface eats away at grip throughout long runs. That makes strategy, pit stops, and patience just as important as raw speed.
Fans following this year’s Cup season know it has already been packed with drama. Names like William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Shane van Gisbergen have collected big wins, while veterans such as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Bubba Wallace have all shown flashes of championship potential. Now, the intensity ratchets up another level.
In short, the 2025 Southern 500 is more than just a race — it’s the start of the playoff grind. With history, tradition, and championship hopes all colliding under the lights at Darlington, fans are set for one of the most important and exciting nights on the NASCAR calendar.
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