Darlington Kicks Off NASCAR Chase Battle

Denny Hamlin enters the Southern 500 as the No. 1 seed, while Ryan Preece holds the No. 16 seed after his dramatic Daytona victory. The historic Darlington Raceway hosts the first of ten crucial races that will determine the final championship standings. forestarrow.rest

With such a tight points spread, every position and lap will matter as drivers navigate the challenging 1.366-mile oval. The Southern 500 has a rich history of championship-deciding moments, and this year's edition promises to be no different as the Chase for the championship takes shape.