NASCAR Cup Series
Next Race: Cook Out Southern 500
The Place: Darlington Raceway
The Date: Sunday, September 1
The Time: 6 p.m. ET
The Purse: $8,644,143
TV: USA, 5:30 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
Distance: 501.32 miles (367 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 115),
Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 230), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 367)
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Next Race: Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200
The Place: Darlington Raceway
The Date: Saturday, August 31
The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
The Purse: $1,303,907
TV: USA, 3 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
Distance: 200.8 miles (147 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45),
Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 90), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 147)
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Next Race: UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics
The Place: Bristol Motor Speedway
The Date: Thursday, September 19
The Time: 8 p.m. ET
The Purse: $720,063
TV: FS1, 8 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
Distance: 106.6 miles (200 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 55),
Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 110), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 200)
NASCAR Cup Series
Historically challenging Darlington Raceway sets the stage for regular season finale
Driver talent will truly be tested this weekend, as Darlington Raceway sets the stage for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale, the Cook Out Southern 500, this Sunday, September 1 at 6 p.m. ET on USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Only three spots are still available in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, and this is the final chance the drivers have to lock themselves into the postseason.
Facing the competitors Sunday night is the historic Darlington Raceway, which is unlike any other track on the schedule. The 1.366-mile, egg-shaped, paved oval has hosted 126 NASCAR Cup Series races dating back to 1950, and with its rich tradition of history it has become one of the most iconic tracks amongst competitors, earning the nickname ‘The Lady in Black’, and this weekend’s Cook Out Southern 500 is considered a ‘Crown Jewel’ event.
This season marks the first time Darlington Raceway has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series regular season finale, race No. 26 on the schedule, since the inception of the Playoffs in the series in 2004.
Darlington Raceway is the fourth different track to host the regular season finale in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2004, joining Richmond Raceway (2004-2017), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2018-2019) and Daytona International Speedway (2020-2023).
Looking back at the significance of Darlington Raceway
Originally, Darlington Raceway was built as a 1.25-mile paved speedway in 1949-1950 and hosted the first 500-mile race in NASCAR history, and the first event on asphalt on September 4, 1950. A total of 75 cars competed in the inaugural event and Curtis Turnerwon the pole at 82.034 MPH, and the race was won by Johnny Mantz(Plymouth, 75.250 MPH). The inaugural Darlington Cup race took 6 hours, 38 minutes, and 40 seconds to complete.
Since then, Darlington Raceway has undergone some changes through the years. In 1953, the track was re-measured to 1.375-miles. Then in 1970, the track was re-configured to 1.366-miles following the spring race of that season. The track was repaved in 1995 and then again prior to the 2008 season.
Over the years the iconic facility has become known amongst its competitors as ‘the track too tough to tame’. In total, the 126 NASCAR Cup Series races at Darlington Raceway have produced 55 different pole winners and 54 different race winners.
This weekend, NASCAR Cup Series on-track activity at Darlington Raceway will begin with practice followed by Busch Light Pole Qualifying at 12:30 p.m. ET on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Regular Season Championship comes down to the final race at Darlington
With just one race to go in the regular season, Tyler Reddick managed to extend his points lead at Daytona and now has a 17-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott in second, and an 18-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson in third. Reddick will look to close out the regular season this weekend at Darlington Raceway and hold onto the points lead and win the Regular Season Championship, becoming the sixth different driver to accomplish the feat.
| NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Champions | |||
| Rank | Titles | Drivers (5) | Years |
| 1 | 2 | Martin Truex Jr. | 2023, ’17 |
| 2 | Kyle Busch | 2019, ’18 | |
| 3 | 1 | Chase Elliott | 2022 |
| 4 | Kyle Larson | 2021 | |
| 5 | Kevin Harvick | 2020 | |
Regular Season Championship Clinch Scenarios:
Tyler Reddick (or whoever’s first in points) needs to be up by the corresponding number after the race to clinch:
- Darlington – 0 or 1 point, depending on tie-break
Additionally, the Regular Season Championship can be clinched by the following drivers this weekend:
- Tyler Reddick: Would clinch with 44 points
- Kyle Larson: Could only clinch with help
- Chase Elliott: Could only clinch with help
At Darlington, 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick has made 10 NASCAR Cup Series starts putting up one pole, three top fives, four top 10s and 276 laps led. Reddick also has an average finish of 13.4 at the track.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott has made 15 Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway posting four top fives, seven top 10s and 151 laps led. Elliott’s average finish at Darlington is 16.7.
And Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson is the defending winner of this race at Darlington Raceway (2023), and he has made 13 career starts at 1.366-mile raceway, collecting one win (2023), six top fives, eight top 10s and has led 785 laps. Larson’s average finish at Darlington is 11.3.
Clinch Scenarios: Regular Season Finale at Darlington Raceway
They’ve got one shot left, the 20 drivers vying for a Playoff spot that is. One shot to earn their way into the NASCAR Cup Series postseason, and below are this week’s clinch scenarios as the series rolls into Darlington Raceway for the regular season finale.
Already Clinched
The following 13 drivers have clinched a spot in the 16-driver postseason field: Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, Harrison Burton.
Can Clinch Via Points
If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the 4th winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs or Chris Buescher.
- Martin Truex Jr.: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Ty Gibbs: Would clinch with 16 points
- Chris Buescher: Would clinch with 34 points
- Bubba Wallace: Could only clinch with help
- Ross Chastain: Could only clinch with help
If there is a new winner from Bubba Wallace or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the 3rd winless driver in the standings.
- Martin Truex Jr.: Would clinch with 19 points
- Ty Gibbs: Would clinch with 38 points
- Chris Buescher: Could only clinch with help
- Bubba Wallace: Could only clinch with help
- Ross Chastain: Could only clinch with help
Can Clinch Via Win
The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:
- Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, Todd Gilliland, Carson Hocevar, Michael McDowell, Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ryan Preece, Daniel Hemric, Austin Dillon, Justin Haley, John Hunter Nemechek, Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith
Recent Clinch History: Last Five Regular Season Finales
Here is a look back at the last five regular season finale races and what drivers had to do to earn their spot in the Playoffs:
2023 Season – Heading into the final race of the regular season at Daytona International Speedway, the 2023 season had produced 15 different winners clinching their spots leaving just one position still available to make the Playoffs, and it was 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace in 16th and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs in 17th battling it out for the final postseason position. The two drivers were separated by 32 points heading into the race. RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher, who came into the Daytona weekend ranked seventh in the Playoff outlook standings already locked-in on wins, won the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway. Bubba Wallace would finish 12th at Daytona and clinch the final spot in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on points. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. clinched the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Championship, the second of his career (2017, 2023).
2022 Season – Heading into the final race of the regular season at Daytona International Speedway, the 2022 season had produced 15 different winners clinching their spots leaving just one position still available to make the Playoffs, and it was Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney in 16th and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. in 17th battling it out for the final postseason position. The two drivers were separated by 25 points heading into the race. It was also announced Kurt Busch would forgo his Playoff position as he was still recovering from injury. Ultimately, Truex would finish eighth and Blaney would finish 15th, the Team Penske driver earned enough points to hold onto one of the two open Playoff spots on points. But it was Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon, who came into the Daytona weekend ranked 20th in the Playoff outlook standings (-255 points behind the postseason cutline), that won the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway, clinching the final spot in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on wins – the second driver to win his way into the Playoffs in the regular season finale; joining William Byron (2020). Hendrick Motorsport’s driver Chase Elliott clinched the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Championship.
2021 Season – Heading into the final race of the regular season at Daytona International Speedway, the 2021 season had produced 14 different winners with two additional drivers clinching their spots on points leaving just one spot still available to make the Playoffs, and it was Richard Childress Racing teammates Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick battling it out for the final postseason position. Ultimately, Ryan Blaney won the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway, but he had already clinched his spot in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs earlier in the season. Because of the repeat winner, the 16th and final Playoff spot was earned by points, and it was Tyler Reddick’s fifth-place finish to Austin Dillon’s 17th at Daytona that earned him enough points to advance for the first-time in his career to the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Hendrick Motorsport’s driver Kyle Larson clinched the Regular Season Championship in 2021.
2020 Season – Heading into the last race of the regular season at Daytona International Speedway in 2020, six spots were still up for grabs in the Playoffs. Ultimately, William Byron won the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway to clinch his spot in the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs – the first driver since ‘Win & You’re In’ was introduced in the series to win his way into the postseason in the final race. The other five Playoff spots were clinched on points. Kevin Harvick clinched the Regular Season Championship in 2020.
2019 Season – Heading into the last race of the regular season at Indianapolis in 2019, just two spots were still up for grabs in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and three drivers were vying for the spots – Clint Bowyer, Daniel Suarez, Ryan Newman. Ultimately, Kevin Harvick won the regular season finale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but he had already clinched his spot in the Playoffs earlier in the season. Clint Bowyer (fifth-place finish) and Ryan Newman (eighth-place) raced their way into the postseason clinching the last two spots on points. Kyle Busch clinched the Regular Season Championship in 2019 for the second-time in his career (2018, 2019).
Statistically starting upfront at Darlington is beneficial
A total of 21 different starting positions on the grid at Darlington Raceway have resulted in victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, but the first starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (21) than any other starting position at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series (16.7%).
In total, 12 different drivers have won from the pole at Darlington Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins from the pole at Darlington Raceway with four wins (1971, 1972, 1976 sweep). Joey Logano (2022) is the only active driver to win from the pole at Darlington Raceway.
NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson, nicknamed the ‘Silver Fox’, leads the NASCAR Cup Series in poles at Darlington Raceway with 12 poles (1967, ’70, ’72, ’73 sweep, ’75 sweep, ’76 sweep, ’77, ’78 and ’82).
Pearson’s 12 Darlington poles are tied with NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough(12 poles at Daytona) for the second-most poles all-time at a single track in the NASCAR Cup Series. Pearson also holds the NASCAR Cup Series record for most poles at a single track with 14 poles at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
This weekend, seven of the 55 NASCAR Cup Series pole winners at Darlington Raceway are active, led byJoey Logano (2022 sweep) with two poles.
| Active Darlington Pole Winners | Poles | Seasons |
| Joey Logano | 2 | 2022 sweep |
| Tyler Reddick | 1 | 2024 |
| Christopher Bell | 1 | 2023 |
| Martin Truex Jr | 1 | 2023 |
| William Byron | 1 | 2019 |
| Denny Hamlin | 1 | 2018 |
| Brad Keselowski | 1 | 2015 |
Worth noting, top-10 starting positions have won 105 of the 126 NASCAR Cup Series races at Darlington Raceway – a winning percentage of 83.3%.
Only eight of the 126 Cup races at Darlington have been won from a starting position outside the top-15 (6.3%); including last season’s race won by Kyle Larson, who started 18th.
The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Darlington is 43rd by Johnny Mantz in 1950 – the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series event held at the historic raceway.
Masters of the ‘Track Too Tough To Tame’
Dancing with the ‘Lady in Black’ can quickly get a driver sent to the NASCAR Cup Series garage with how tricky the track can be, but some drivers have mastered getting around the 1.366-mile raceway, most notably the ‘Silver Fox’ David Pearson.
NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson leads the NASCAR Cup Series in victories at Darlington Raceway with 10 wins from 1968 to 1980 (1968, ’70, ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76 sweep, ’77, ’79, 80).
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in victories at Darlington Raceway with four triumphs (2010, 2017, 2020, 2022).
This weekend, eight of 54 NASCAR Cup Series Darlington Raceway race winners are entered in the Cook Out Southern 500.
| Active Darlington Race Winners | Wins | Seasons |
| Denny Hamlin | 4 | 2021-2, 2020-2, 2017, 2010 |
| Brad Keselowski | 2 | 2024-1, 2018 |
| Erik Jones | 2 | 2022-2, 2019 |
| Martin Truex Jr | 2 | 2021-1, 2016 |
| Kyle Larson | 1 | 2023-2 |
| William Byron | 1 | 2023-1 |
| Joey Logano | 1 | 2022-1 |
| Kyle Busch | 1 | 2008 |
Playoff Bubble drivers at Darlington Raceway
With just one race left to get into the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, here is how drivers on the postseason bubble have faired at Darlington Raceway.
| 2024 Driver Playoff Outlook Following Race No. 25 – Drivers On The Playoff Bubble | ||||||||
| Rank | Driver | Points | Wins | Stages | Playoff Pts | Pts From Cutoff | ||
| 14 | Martin Truex Jr. | 695 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 58 | ||
| 15 | Ty Gibbs | 676 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 39 | ||
| 16 | Chris Buescher | 658 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 21 | ||
| 17 | Bubba Wallace | 637 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -21 | ||
| 18 | Ross Chastain | 631 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -27 | ||
| Drivers ranked below 18th in the driver standings have too large of a deficit in the standings to earn a spot on points, instead they will have to win at Darlington to make the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. | ||||||||
- Martin Truex Jr. has made 24 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway posting two wins, four top fives, 10 top 10s and 914 laps led. His average finish at the 1.366-mile raceway is 13.9.
- Ty Gibbs has made four NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway putting up one top-five finish, and 34 laps led. His average finish at the track is 13.5.
- Chris Buescher has made 14 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway amassing one top five, four top 10s and 22 laps led. His average finish at Darlington is 17.4.
- Bubba Wallace has made 12 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway posting one top five, four top 10s and 16 laps led. His average finish at the track is 18.5.
- Ross Chastain has made 10 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington Raceway posting two top fives, two top 10s and 131 laps led. His average finish at the 1.366-mile raceway is 19.8
NASCAR Cup Series has produced some great competition this season
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series first 25 races of the season have produced a plethora of statistical records and has proven to be one of the best seasons to date. Below is a look some of the superlative stats from this season:
Through the first 25 races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, there have been 13 lead changes among eight leaders in the driver point standings. 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick currently leads the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings by 17 points over Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott in second.
The NASCAR Cup Series has produced 14 different winners this season, tied with 2007, 2012, 2017, 2021, and 2023 for the third-most different winners through the first 25 Cup races of a season in the Modern Era (1972-2024) – the record for different winners through the first 25 races is 16 set in 2003.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has produced an average of 11.08 lap leaders per race through the first 25 races of the year and is tied with 2006 and 2010 for the second-most in the 53 years of the Modern Era (1972-2024); this season is up +10.5% over last season’s 9.92. The 2011 season holds the record for the most average leaders through the first 25 races of a season at 13.0.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season’s 1.228-seconds average Margin of Victory is the seventh closest through the first 25 races since the advent of electronic scoring in 1993 (32 seasons total). The 2001 season holds the series record for the closest average Margin of Victory through the first 25 Cup races of a season with a 0.751-second.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has produced 1,460 Green Flag Passes for the Lead through the first 25 points-paying races of the year – series-most since 2005 (last 20 seasons). The 2024 season’s GFPL totals are up +31.5% compared to the 2023 season’s (1,110 GFPL) through the first 25 races on the schedule.
This is the third consecutive season the NASCAR Cup Series has set a new series-high in Green Flag Passes for the Lead through the first 25 races of the regular season – 2022 (899), 2023 (1,110) and 2024 (1,460).
A total of 11 of the 25 races (44%) during the NASCAR Cup Series 2024 regular season produced positive year-over-year percentage changes in Green Flag Passes for the Lead totals.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has produced 114,084 Total Green Flag Passes in the first 25 points-paying races of the year – the series-most since 2005 (last 20 seasons). The 2024 season’s Total Green Flag Passes are up +24.4% compared to the 2023 season’s (91,715 GFP) through the first 25 races on the schedule.
This is the third consecutive season the NASCAR Cup Series has set a new series-high in Total Green Flag Passes through the first 25 races of the regular season – 2022 (68,352), 2023 (91,715) and 2024 (114,084).
A total of 10 of the 25 Cup races (40%) this season have produced a positive year-over-year percentage change in Total Green Flag Passes.
NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.
Cheat Codes to headline Rowdy Road Concert Series Outside Turn 2 at Darlington – Darlington Raceway announced that Los Angeles trio Cheat Codes will perform outside Turn 2 of the track at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, as part of NASCAR’s Rowdy Road concert series. Building on the track’s successful college tailgate program, the performance will provide a new entertainment option prior to the 75th Annual Cook Out Southern 500, set for 6 p.m., broadcasted live on USA Network, MRN, and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
“Having Cheat Codes perform ahead of the Cook Out Southern 500 is a massive feat leading into an already huge event,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “As we continue to grow our fan base and attract our next generation of fans, the Rowdy Road concert at Darlington will take the fans’ pre-race experience to the next level. The performance will certainly ramp up the energy ahead of what should be a dramatic NASCAR Cup Series’ regular season finale.”
The multi-platinum act, Cheat Codes, remains an inescapable musical force hopscotching through genres of electronic, dance, pop and now country, leaving an impact of innovation and collaboration throughout popular culture. Having previously performed during the caution breaks of the 2023 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, their total stream tally eclipses a staggering over 6 billion plays. Maintaining a prolific pace, they’ve steadily amassed a diverse discography, including the platinum Pop Radio Top 5 smash “No Promises” [feat. Demi Lovato], the gold-certified “Feels Great” [feat. Fetty Wap & CVBZ], and gold-selling breakout “SEX” with Kriss Kross Amsterdam. Speaking to their international impact, “Only You” [feat. Little Mix] soared to #1 on Pop Radio in the UK, while they received dozens of platinum certifications in 20 countries.
Igniting clubs worldwide, their 2019 level 2 EP yielded the #1 Dance Radio hit “Who’s Got Your Love” [feat. Daniel Blume] in addition to “Ferrari” [feat. Afrojack] and “Be The One” [feat. Kaskade]. Acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Paper, Time, Billboard and more, the musicians have shut down The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! And Good Morning America with stunning and show-stopping performances.
Over the past two years the band has released 4 very different and acclaimed albums focusing on the guys personal style and taste – Hellraisers Part 1 (pop), Hellraisers Part 2 (alternative), Hellraisers Part 3 (dance) and One Night in Nashville (country). Collaborations included Tyson Ritter, Travis Barker, Blackbear, Icona Pop, Felix Jaehn, and country legends Dolly Parton, Lady A, and Lee Brice just to name a few. Returning to their pop dance roots recently releasing the following tracks: “Head Up” featuring Birdy, “The Way It Is” with Two Friends, “You Don’t Even Know Me” with Sam Feldt, “Morning” with Jason Derulo, De La Ghetto and Galantis and “Find Love Now” with Punctual and Raphaella.
The Rowdy Road concert tailgate area, located just off Harry Byrd Highway 151, opens at 1 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., the group Tomorrow’s Problem, from Columbia, SC, will take the stage before giving way to Cheat Codes.
Kyle Petty named Grand Marshal for NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Showcase & Parade – Darlington Raceway announced this week that NASCAR legend and esteemed commentator Kyle Petty will serve as the Grand Marshal for the NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Showcase & Parade on Friday, Aug. 30, as part of the Labor Day Race Weekend activities.
“Kyle Petty is one of the most renowned voices and personalities we have in our sport,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “We’re honored to have someone with as tenured of a resume in the world of NASCAR be a part of one of our most adored traditions at Darlington Raceway.”
Hailing from Level Cross, N.C., Kyle Petty is as much a product of racing as he is of his famous forebearers: his grandfather, Lee Petty, and his father, Richard Petty, also known as “The King.” Over the course of a 30-year racing career, Kyle amassed eight wins and 173 Top-10 finishes. At Darlington Raceway, Kyle competed in 51 races with a best finish of sixth in 1991. Today, Kyle is a vibrant TV personality (NBC Sports/USA pre- and post-race NASCAR coverage & NASCAR America), a talented musician, a dedicated philanthropist, a published author and a motivational speaker.
Inspired by the vision of his late son, Adam, Kyle and the Petty family partnered with the NASCAR community and corporate sponsors to create Victory Junction, a year-round camping facility for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. For more than 29 years, Kyle has hosted thousands of NASCAR fans, drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts on his annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America – raising more than $22 million for Victory Junction and children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
Earlier this year at Darlington’s Spring race, Kyle Petty and his father, Richard, were present for the unveiling of “The King’s Hat,” a six-foot tall, 1,000-pound, fiberglass and concrete statue that become a permanent fixture at NASCAR’s Original Superspeedway. The installation is one of 28 originals that feature the likeness of Richard Petty’s famous cowboy hat. A tribute to the Petty Family’s 75th year in NASCAR, the Petty Family and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has given a tip of the hat to most all NASCAR tracks. Darlington has a special design on its hat, showcasing Lee, Richard, Maurice, Kyle and his son Adam, along with Richard’s Plymouth that swept both 1967 races at the 1.366-mile venue. Fans are encouraged to use #PETTY75 when they find this one-of-a-kind piece of history and post photos socially, as “The King’s Hat” is a permanent fixture at Darlington Raceway.
Beginning at 6 p.m., the haulers will depart Florence-Darlington Technical College and parade their way through downtown Darlington and onto the historic Darlington Raceway where they will load into the NASCAR Cup Series Garage. For more information on the Darlington Hauler Showcase & Parade, click here.
Crew Member Spotlight: Darlington Raceway – This weekend at Darlington Raceway we wanted to highlight several of the team’s crew members that are from the surrounding areas of the track in South Carolina.
| SOUTH CAROLINA | ||||
| CREW MEMBER | ORGANIZATION | TEAM | ROLE | HOMETOWN |
| Cody Sauls | Team Penske | 2 | Mechanic | Hampton, SC |
| Telvin McClurkin | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing | 6 | Tire Carrier | Columbia, SC |
| Chris Jackson | Richard Childress Racing | 8 | Rear Tire Changer | Fort Mill, SC |
| Bailey Walker | Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing | 17 | Fueler | Murrells Inlet, SC |
| Daniel Bach | Spire Motorsports | 77 | Front Changer | Fort Mill, SC |
| Daniel Rosensteel | Spire Motorsports | 77 | Hauler Driver | Greenville, SC |
| Lucas Tucker | Trackhouse Racing | 99 | Interior Mechanic | Myrtle Beach, SC |
Milestone Watch: Darlington Raceway – Below are the possible milestones that can be achieved this weekend at Darlington Raceway or in coming weeks in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Starts
- Harrison Burton is expected to make his 100th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- Austin Dillon is expected to make his 400th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Watkins Glen International.
- Brad Keselowski is expected to make his 550th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Bristol Motor Speedway.
- Bubba Wallace is expected to make his 250th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Talladega Superspeedway.
- William Byron is expected to make his 250th NASCAR Cup Series career start at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Poles
- Kyle Busch currently has 34 NASCAR Cup Series poles, if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett for 21st on the all-time pole winners list with 35 poles each.
- Joey Logano currently has 31 NASCAR Cup Series poles (tied with Kevin Harvick), if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famers Fireball Roberts and Fred Lorenzen for 24th on the all-time pole winners list with 32 poles each.
- Martin Truex Jr. currently has 23 NASCAR Cup Series poles (tied with Ken Schrader and Jack Smith), if he were to win another pole, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Alan Kulwicki for 33rd on the all-time pole winners list with 24 poles each.
Wins
- Denny Hamlin currently has 54 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace for 11th on the all-time wins list with 55 victories each.
- Brad Keselowski currently has 36 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Bobby Isaac for 23rd on the all-time wins list with 37 victories each.
- Joey Logano currently has 33 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. for 25th on the all-time wins list with 34 victories each.
- Kyle Larson currently has 27 NASCAR Cup Series wins, if he were to win another race, he would tie Carl Edwards and Rex White for 30th on the all-time wins list with 28 victories each.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
NASCAR Xfinity Series heads back to the Lady in Black
After some superspeedway action at the World Center of Racing in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida, the NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Darlington Raceway, in Darlington, South Carlonia, for Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 on Saturday, August 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Heading into the weekend, this will be the 69th NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the “track too tough to tame.” The previous 68 races have produced 36 different race winners and 32 different pole winners.
Fifteen NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Darlington Raceway have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Denny Hamlin in 2017.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin sits as the track’s winningest driver in the Xfinity Series, tallying eight wins (1993, 1994 sweep, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 sweep). He’s also set the record for most poles (eight), top fives (14), top 10s (18) and laps led (972).
The track has also been memorable for some drivers as it has been a place of “firsts”. Justin Ashburn (2003), Denny Hamlin (2004) and John Jackson (2011) all got their first Xfinity Series starts at the Lady in Black while Kyle Busch (2004) and Ross Chastain (2018) each won their first poles here.
Three drivers have earned their first NASCAR Xfinity Series career win at Darlington Raceway – Geoff Bodine (1982), Neil Bonnett (1983) and Ron Bouchard (1984).
Saturday, August 31 will be a one stop shop for drivers. They will kick off their morning with practice at 10:30 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 11:10 a.m. ET on the NBC Sports App before gearing up for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 later that afternoon at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Is the track “too tough to tame?”
Darlington Raceway’s 1.366-mile has been nicknamed the “track too tough to tame” but for some, the taming has come easy as six drivers entered in this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race have conquered the Lady in Black – Justin Allgaier, Brandon Jones, Cole Custer, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, and Noah Gragson.
JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier is the most recent winner at the Lady in Black, having won the spring race. In total, he’s made 18 starts, posting three wins (2021, 2022, 2024), eight top fives, 14 top 10s and has led 278 laps.
JRM teammate Brandon Jones is still on the hunt for his first win this season. He’s made 13 starts at Darlington, posting one win (2020), two top fives and six top 10s.
Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer has been dominant on the 1.366-mile South Carolina track, posting a top five finish in all but one of his six starts at the track (his only finish outside the top five was in 2017 where he finished in ninth). His win came in 2019.
Logano will be getting behind the wheel of the No. 15 AM Racing Ford for his second Xfinity Series start of the season. He’s made six series starts at Darlington, posting one win (2012), four top fives, five top 10s, and has led 70 laps.
Chase Elliott will be driving the No. 17 Chevrolet with Hendrick Motorsports for this second Xfinity Series start of the season. He’s only made three series starts at the Lady in Black, posting one win (2014), one top five, two top 10s, and has led 52 laps.
Noah Gragson will be running in the No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford for the team’s debut in the Xfinity Series. He has made seven series starts at Darlington, posting two wins (2021, 2022), five top fives, seven top 10s, and has led 253 laps.
Darlington Clinch Scenarios: Four to go in the Xfinity Series regular season
There are only four races left in the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season so drivers will be pushing the limits to secure their spot in the 2024 Playoffs this weekend at Darlington Raceway. As we head into the weekend, here is a look at the clinch scenarios at Darlington:
Already Clinched
The following five drivers have clinched a spot in the 12-driver postseason field: Justin Allgaier, Chandler Smith, Austin Hill, Shane van Gisbergen, Sam Mayer.
Can Clinch Via Previous Wins
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by any driver that already has a win:
· Cole Custer: Would clinch regardless of finish
· Riley Herbst: Would clinch regardless of finish
· Jesse Love: Would clinch regardless of finish
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by AJ Allmendinger, Sheldon Creed, Parker Kligerman, Ryan Sieg or Sammy Smith:
· Cole Custer: Would clinch with 14 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Brandon Jones or a driver lower in the standings:
· Cole Custer: Would clinch regardless of finish
Can Clinch Via Win
The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:
· Cole Custer, Riley Herbst, Jesse Love
The following drivers could clinch with a win:
· AJ Allmendinger: Could only clinch with help
Playoff outlook following Daytona
With four races left in the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season, let’s take a closer look at who is on the Playoff bubble heading into this weekend.
| NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Outlook Following Daytona International Speedway – 08-23-2024 | ||||||||
| Rank | Driver | Vehicle | Points | Starts | Race Wins | Stage Wins | Playoff Pts | +/- Cutoff |
| 1 | Shane Van Gisbergen # | 97 | 532 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 17 | In On Wins |
| 2 | Justin Allgaier | 7 | 806 | 22 | 2 | 13 | 23 | |
| 3 | Chandler Smith | 81 | 731 | 22 | 2 | 5 | 15 | |
| 4 | Austin Hill | 21 | 704 | 22 | 2 | 3 | 13 | |
| 5 | Sam Mayer | 1 | 527 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 11 | |
| 6 | Cole Custer | 0 | 773 | 22 | 1 | 3 | 8 | |
| 7 | Riley Herbst | 98 | 665 | 22 | 1 | 2 | 7 | |
| 8 | Jesse Love # | 2 | 620 | 22 | 1 | 4 | 9 | |
| 9 | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | 674 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 113 |
| 10 | Sheldon Creed | 18 | 654 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 93 |
| 11 | Parker Kligerman | 48 | 605 | 22 | 0 | 1 | -4 | 44 |
| 12 | Ryan Sieg | 39 | 576 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 15 |
| 13 | Sammy Smith | 8 | 561 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -15 |
| 14 | Brandon Jones | 9 | 468 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -108 |
| 15 | Anthony Alfredo | 5 | 445 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -131 |
| 16 | Brennan Poole | 44 | 378 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -198 |
| 17 | Josh Williams | 11 | 354 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -222 |
| 18 | Parker Retzlaff | 31 | 337 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -239 |
| 19 | Jeb Burton | 27 | 335 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -241 |
| 20 | Leland Honeyman # | 42 | 330 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -246 |
| 21 | Jeremy Clements | 51 | 307 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -269 |
| 22 | Kyle Weatherman | 91 | 298 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -278 |
| 23 | Ryan Ellis | 43 | 276 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -300 |
| 24 | Blaine Perkins | 29 | 240 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -336 |
NASCAR Xfinity Series, Etc.
Shane van Gisbergen to run fulltime in the Cup Series in 2025 – Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who took NASCAR by storm when he won the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his debut in the series in 2023, joined NASCAR fulltime in the Xfinity Series in 2024 behind the wheel of the No. 97 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet.
He has had some success, already posting three wins (Portland, Sonoma, Chicago), five top fives and six top 10s this season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The New Zealander will now be moving up to the Cup Series in 2025 with Trackhouse Racing, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet and collaborating with crew chief Stephen Doran.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
‘The Last Great Colosseum’ up next in the Round of 10
For the second time this season, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will return to Bristol Motor Speedway. The competitors will get four weeks off to prepare and go over strategy for the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (Thursday, September 19 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM Radio).
In total, this will be the sixth time Bristol has hosted a CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff Race (2019-2024). This season marks the second time that Thunder Valley will host an event in the Round of 10. Previously, the half-mile track in the mountains served as the elimination race in 2021.
To date, the legendary short track has hosted 27 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Bristol, producing 22 different winners and 19 different pole winners. The winningest driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Kyle Busch, holds the most wins at the ‘Holy Grail of Short Tracks’ with five (2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2017).
Eight races have been won from the pole, most recently by Christian Eckes earlier this season.
Practice for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at the Bristol Motor Speedway kicks off at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, September 19, followed by Cometic Gasket Pole Qualifying at 3:35 p.m. EST.
Trio of Playoff drivers hungry for more
Three CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff drivers are previous Bristol winners, and all are looking to double down to secure their spot in the Round of 8.
Christian Eckes: The 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Regular Season Champion has made four starts at the 0.533-mile track. Behind the wheel of the No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet, Eckes has posted one win (Spring 2024), two top fives, three top 10s, and has led 294 laps. The 23-year-old has the opportunity to be the first driver to post back-to-back wins at Bristol since Kyle Busch in 2010.
Ty Majeski: In three starts, the driver of the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford has posted one win (2022), one top five, and one top 10. He’s also led 45 laps. The 29-year old’s win in 2022 was his first in his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series career.
Corey Heim: The driver of the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota has made three starts at ‘The Last Great Colosseum’. In those three starts, the Marietta, Georga native has posted one win (2023), one top five, three top 10s, and has led six laps.
Eckes with potential to continue historic run
McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s Christian Eckes continues his breakout year with arguably a historic run. This season the 23-year-old became the eighth different driver to win the regular season title: joining Christopher Bell (2017), Johnny Sauter (2018), Grant Enfinger (2019), Austin Hill (2020), John H. Nemechek (2021), Zane Smith (2022) and Corey Heim (2023).
Eckes has led the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series point standings following 10 of the 17 races this season – series-most in 2024. Through the first 17 races of the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series schedule, there have been five lead changes among four leaders in the point standings.
Over the weekend, the driver of the No. 19 collected his fourth pole of the 2024 season. This is the second consecutive season he has posted three or more poles (2023-2024). Eckes also leads the series in laps led this season with 833 through 17 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races. Milwaukee was the fifth time this season that he led the most laps of the field.
Following Milwaukee, the Middletown, New York native has led 18 consecutive races – the third longest in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series history. Kyle Busch holds the series record with 28 races. If Eckes finds himself at the front of the pack at Bristol, he will tie Mike Skinner with the second longest run in CRAFTSMAN Truck Series history.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff Outlook Following Milwaukee Mile (August 25, 2024)
| Rank | Driver | Points | Starts | Race Wins | Stage Wins | Playoff Pts | +/- Cutoff |
| 1 | Christian Eckes (P) | 2,090 | 17 | 3 | 9 | 39 | 60 |
| 2 | Ty Majeski (P) | 2,074 | 17 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 44 |
| 3 | Corey Heim (P) | 2,071 | 17 | 5 | 6 | 41 | 41 |
| 4 | Nick Sanchez (P) | 2,064 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 18 | 34 |
| 5 | Taylor Gray (P) | 2,043 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
| 6 | Tyler Ankrum (P) | 2,043 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 13 |
| 7 | Daniel Dye (P) | 2,039 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| 8 | Grant Enfinger (P) | 2,032 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 2 |
| 9 | Ben Rhodes (P) | 2,030 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -2 |
| 10 | Rajah Caruth (P) | 2,028 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 9 | -4 |
Playoff Bubble: Rhodes, Caruth on the outside looking in
Following the LiUNA! 175 at the Milwaukee Mile, ThorSport Racing veteran Ben Rhodes and Spire Motorsports Rajah Caruth find themselves below the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Round of 8 cutline.
Last weekend, 2021 and 2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Champion Ben Rhodes had to battle all afternoon and managed to finish ninth at the Milwaukee Mile and left the 1.015-mile paved oval just two points back from the Round of 8 cutline. The 2024 season is the 26-year-old’s seventh Playoff appearance.
The contenders will head to Bristol Motor Speedway in a few weeks where Rhodes previously finished 16th In 11 starts at the 0.533-mile oval, the Louisville, Kentucky native has one top-five finish, six top-10 finishes and a total of one lap led. His best finish in Thunder Valley was fifth in 2017.
Unlike the vast Playoff experience Rhodes has, Rajah Caruth is in his first appearance in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs. It’s been 14 races since Caruth’s first (and last) visit to Victory Lane (Las Vegas) but the Washington, D.C. native knows how to race his way into the top 10 – he’s recorded eight top-10 finishes so far this season, the most in his CRAFTSMAN Truck Series career. The driver of the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet had a decent day at the Milwaukee Mile, finishing 18th, but is now just twenty points back from the Round of 8 cutline and the final transfer position.
Currently, CR7 Motorsports’ Grant Enfinger is in the eighth and final position to transfer to the next round in the Playoffs on points. Just ahead of Enfinger in seventh is McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s driver Daniel Dye, up nine points on the Round of 8 cutline.
Clinch Scenarios for Bristol Motor Speedway:
Already Clinched
None of the Playoff drivers have clinched a spot in the 8-driver field of the next round.
Can Clinch Via Points
If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being 56 points above the 8th winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Christian Eckes, Ty Majeski, Corey Heim or Nicholas Sanchez.
· Christian Eckes: Would clinch with 49 points
· Ty Majeski: Could only clinch with help
· Corey Heim: Could only clinch with help
· Nicholas Sanchez: Could only clinch with help
· Taylor Gray: Could only clinch with help
· Tyler Ankrum: Could only clinch with help
· Daniel Dye: Could only clinch with help
The following drivers could clinch on points with a win by Taylor Gray or Tyler Ankrum:
· Christian Eckes: Would clinch with 51 points
· Ty Majeski: Could only clinch with help
· Corey Heim: Could only clinch with help
· Nicholas Sanchez: Could only clinch with help
· Tyler Ankrum: Could only clinch with help
· Daniel Dye: Could only clinch with help
The following drivers could clinch on points with a win by Daniel Dye:
· Christian Eckes: Would clinch with 52 points
· Ty Majeski: Could only clinch with help
· Corey Heim: Could only clinch with help
· Nicholas Sanchez: Could only clinch with help
· Taylor Gray: Could only clinch with help
· Tyler Ankrum: Could only clinch with help
If there is a new winner from Grant Enfinger or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being 56 points above the 7th winless driver in the standings.
· Christian Eckes: Would clinch with 54 points
· Ty Majeski: Could only clinch with help
· Corey Heim: Could only clinch with help
· Nicholas Sanchez: Could only clinch with help
· Taylor Gray: Could only clinch with help
· Tyler Ankrum: Could only clinch with help
Can Clinch Via Win
The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:
· Christian Eckes, Ty Majeski, Corey Heim, Nicholas Sanchez, Taylor Gray, Tyler Ankrum, Daniel Dye, Grant Enfinger, Ben Rhodes, Rajah Caruth
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Etc.
2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year breakdown – Layne Riggs continues to dominate the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings following 13 races in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
The driver of the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford collected his first win this past weekend at the Milwaukee Mile and now sits 249 points over Connor Jones and 277 points over Thadd Moffitt.
| NCTS Sunoco Rookie of the Year Standings | ||
| Rookies | Points | Awards |
| Layne Riggs | 405 | 10 |
| Connor Jones | 156 | 4 |
| Thadd Moffitt | 128 | 3 |
