NCS: Historically Challenging Darlington Raceway Sets the Stage for Regular Season Finale - Speedway Digest

Darlington, SC – This weekend, the spotlight shifts to Darlington Raceway, a track steeped in history and known for its unique challenges. As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular season draws to a close, the Cook Out Southern 500 promises high stakes, intense competition, and a chance for drivers to secure their spots in the playoffs.

The Lady in Black: A Legendary Venue

Darlington Raceway, affectionately dubbed “The Lady in Black,” stands out among NASCAR tracks. Its 1.366-mile egg-shaped layout has witnessed 126 Cup Series races since 1950. With a rich tradition and iconic status, Darlington has become a crown jewel event for competitors. This season marks the first time it hosts the regular season finale—a pivotal race that determines playoff eligibility.

A Journey Through Time

Darlington’s history is as winding as its track. Originally built as a 1.25-mile paved speedway in 1949-1950, it hosted NASCAR’s first 500-mile race on asphalt in 1950. Back then, 75 cars vied for victory, with Curtis Turner claiming the pole and Johnny Mantz (Plymouth) taking the checkered flag after a grueling 6 hours, 38 minutes, and 40 seconds.

Over the years, Darlington underwent changes. In 1953, it expanded to 1.375 miles, and in 1970, it settled into its current 1.366-mile configuration. The track received fresh pavement in 1995 and again before the 2008 season. But one thing remained constant: its reputation as “the track too tough to tame.”

The Playoff Picture

As the regular season finale approaches, only three playoff spots remain unclaimed. Drivers will battle it out at Darlington, hoping to secure their postseason berths. Tyler Reddick, currently leading the points standings, aims to clinch the Regular Season Championship—a feat achieved by only five previous drivers.

Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing): With 10 starts at Darlington, Reddick boasts one pole, three top fives, four top 10s, and 276 laps led. His average finish stands at 13.4.
Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports): Elliott, a 15-time Darlington starter, has four top-five finishes, seven top 10s, and 151 laps led. His average finish is 16.7.
Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports): Larson, the defending winner of this race (2023), has 13 starts at Darlington. His impressive record includes one win, six top fives, eight top 10s, and a whopping 785 laps led. His average finish? A solid 11.3.

Regular Season Championship Clinch Scenarios Per NASCAR:

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

Playoff Clinch Scenarios Per NASCAR:

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

On-Track Action

The weekend kicks off with practice sessions, followed by Busch Light Pole Qualifying. Fans can catch all the action on the USA Network, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

As the sun sets over Darlington Raceway, drivers will push their limits, aiming for glory on the storied track. The Lady in Black awaits, ready to challenge and reward those who dare to tame her curves.