The NASCAR Cup Series opens the playoffs at Darlington Raceway with the Cook Out Southern 500. The 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval, nicknamed “The Track Too Tough to Tame” for its narrow racing groove and abrasive surface, is one of the four crown jewels of the Cup Series and an annual Labor Day weekend tradition. As the first race of the Round of 16, every stage point and every Darlington stripe carries weight in the postseason cutoff math.
Whether you are heading to Darlington or watching from home, here is the complete weekend itinerary, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the green flag for the main event.
Cook Out Southern 500 Event Overview
- Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
- Track: Darlington Raceway, Darlington, SC (1.366-mile egg-shaped oval)
- Distance: 367 Laps (501.32 miles)
- Format: One of the four crown jewels of the Cup Series, plus the opening race of the Playoff Round of 16
- Defending Winner: Chase Briscoe
- 2026 Pole Winner: TBD (updated after qualifying)
Full Weekend Schedule & TV Times
All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Schedule is subject to change due to weather. The latest official information is published on the NASCAR Cup Series 2026 schedule page.
| Date | Event | Time (ET) | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Sep 4 | Cup Series Practice | TBD | TBD |
| Sat, Sep 5 | Cup Series Qualifying | TBD | TBD |
| Sun, Sep 6 | Cook Out Southern 500 (Main Event) | 5:00 PM | USA Network |
Printable Cook Out Southern 500 Schedule & Tracker
Download our signature minimalist, low-ink PDF for the weekend. This one-page tracker includes the weekend schedule and a blank Lap Leader and Top 10 grid for you to fill out during the race.
2026 NASCAR Cup Series Resource Hub
Looking for the full season outlook? Browse the complete 2026 schedule, including all playoff dates, road courses, and the international San Diego debut. We also keep printable, low-ink schedules for the other two NASCAR national series:
- 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
- 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
- 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Schedule: Full schedule and printable PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What channel is the NASCAR race on today?
The Cook Out Southern 500 will be broadcast live on USA Network. Streaming is also available via Peacock for USA Network subscribers.
How many stages are in the Cook Out Southern 500?
The race consists of three stages:
- Stage 1: Ends at Lap 115
- Stage 2: Ends at Lap 230
- Final Stage: Ends at Lap 367 (Checkered Flag)
What time does the green flag drop?
While the broadcast begins at 5:00 PM ET, the official green flag is scheduled to wave at approximately 5:15 PM ET.
