It all comes down to this moment. As the 2024 regular season draws to a close, we gear up for the final clash. The Cook Out Southern 500 is just around the corner, and the atmosphere in the Cup Series garage is electric. With only three playoff spots left after Harrison Burton’s recent victory, a staggering 15 drivers are vying for a win to secure their place in the postseason.
Darlington Raceway will serve as the backdrop for this thrilling late-season spectacle. This iconic event is a must-see, as the egg-shaped oval has been the stage for numerous unforgettable moments in NASCAR history. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exhilarating journey as we explore what’s in store for the upcoming race.
Cook Out Southern 500: Key Highlights to Anticipate
Known as the ‘Track Too Tough to Tame,’ Darlington has been a staple in the NASCAR calendar. The Cook Out Southern 500 has a rich history, dating back to its inaugural race in 1950. With over 20 degrees of banking in every turn, this 1.33-mile asphalt oval consistently showcases the talents of the sport’s elite. In fact, in 14 of the last 17 Southern 500 races, the victor has boasted at least 25 career wins. Now, let’s dive into all the exciting details surrounding this legendary race.
With Leigh Diffey joining forces with Steve Letarte and Jeff Burton in the NBC Sports broadcast booth, fans are in for an exhilarating experience. Practice kicks off on August 30th at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 1:20 p.m. ET. Then, on the big day, September 1st, the excitement builds with the countdown to the green flag starting at 5:30 p.m. The Southern 500 will officially begin at 6 p.m., with a 20% chance of rain looming. Viewers can catch all the Cup events on USA Network, and NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass has shared the complete schedule on Twitter.
Darlington Raceway offers a variety of thrilling ticket options for fans eager to attend. Reserved grandstand seats are available, along with a Pre-Race Experience pass. Weekend packages that cover both Saturday and Sunday events for the Southern 500 are also on offer. Families can take advantage of 4-pack deals, while college students can join the fun for just $25.
This weekend, 37 drivers will showcase their skills at Darlington, including 34 full-time competitors and a few familiar faces. Xfinity star Shane van Gisbergen, who will be a full-time Cup driver next season, is set to make his sixth start. Additionally, Kaz Grala returns to the No. 15 car for Rick Ware Racing, and Timmy Hill will be behind the wheel of the No. 66 for MBM Motorsports.
The drivers will be divided into two groups, each receiving 20 minutes of practice time. Following that, they will engage in two rounds of qualifying. Among the favorites, Denny Hamlin stands out with four wins in South Carolina, including three Southern 500 trophies. Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski, and Erik Jones also have multiple victories under their belts. However, the rivalry is expected to heat up between points leader Tyler Reddick and defending champion Kyle Larson.
In addition to the thrilling races on the track, fans can look forward to a nostalgic experience off the track.
Honoring a Darlington Icon
This past New Year’s Eve marked the loss of a NASCAR icon who made a significant impact on the Lady in Black. Cale Yarborough, a five-time winner of the Southern 500 (1968, 1973, 1974, 1978, and 1982), held the record until Jeff Gordon surpassed it with his sixth win in 2007. Yarborough’s legacy is proudly displayed in the Cup Series garage at Darlington. For this year’s Southern 500, fans will have the chance to see his Oldsmobile Cutlass, the very car he drove to his third consecutive championship in 1978, showcased in the Fan Fest area. Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett will take the wheel of this iconic vehicle to lead the pace car at the start of Sunday night’s race.
This heartfelt tribute to the NASCAR legend has touched many. “It’s going to be really special to see Daddy’s car on the track again,” shared Yarborough’s daughter, Julie.
Bubba Wallace, a driver for 23XI Racing, also expressed his admiration for this historical moment. “It’s pretty special to hear and see how much the sport has evolved and changed,” Wallace noted. “From scheduling to fans, it’s definitely nice to take a trip down memory lane.” Indeed, witnessing the 83-time NASCAR winner’s classic ride while current drivers compete for the Southern 500 title promises to be a remarkable experience.
Clearly, this weekend is packed with exciting opportunities for NASCAR enthusiasts. Visit Darlington Raceway’s website to grab your tickets and join in on the fun!
