DARLINGTON, S.C. – NASCAR’s weekend at Darlington Raceway is giving fans a playoff preview, with the Cup Series heading into the opening race of the postseason and the Truck Series on the same track while the Xfinity and ARCA Series race in Portland.
Cup Series practice put Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports in the spotlight, with Larson posting the fastest lap in Hendrick’s camp at 28.925 seconds, earning a fifth-place starting spot for Sundays Southern 500. In the relative rest of the lineup, William Byron will roll off 11th, Chase Elliott 21st, and Alex Bowman 29th.
Sunday’s Southern 500 not only crowns a race at Darlington but also marks the first event of the Cup Series playoffs. Hendrick Motorsports has four cars in the 16-driver playoff field, with Larson and Byron tied atop the standings. Both drivers have wins at Darlington, and Larson’s trophy came from the 2023 Southern 500.
The race will be broadcast on USA Network, with the green flag expected at 6:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. The weekend’s schedule follows NASCAR’s split format, as the Cup Series and Truck Series race at Darlington while the Xfinity Series and ARCA Series compete in Portland, keeping fans across multiple tracks engaged.
Watchable angles to look for include how the playoff contenders navigate Darlington’s famed “Lady in Black,” a track known for demanding handling and strategic pit stops as teams push to start the postseason on a high note.
Additional notes and context:
– The start of the Cup playoffs adds heightened intensity to the Southern 500, with momentum potentially shaping the championship chase.
– Larson’s early pace across practice and his Darlington success position him as a top contender as the playoffs begin.
– The weekend’s split format underscores NASCAR’s broad schedule, delivering high-stakes action from two distinct tracks in quick succession.
Overall takeaway: the 2025 playoff opener at Darlington promises drama, strategy, and strong performances from the sport’s leading teams as drivers chase an early boost toward the championship. For fans, it’s a weekend full of compelling racing from two traditional venues and a clear indicator of who may rise as the early favorites in the postseason.