Hubbry Logo
Southern 500Southern 500Main
Open search
Southern 500
Community hub
Southern 500
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Southern 500
Southern 500
Southern 500
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Cook Out Southern 500
NASCAR Cup Series
VenueDarlington Raceway
LocationDarlington, South Carolina, United States
Corporate sponsorCook Out[1]
First race1950 (1950)
Distance501.322 miles (806.800 km)
Laps367[2]
Stages 1/2: 115 each
Final stage: 137
Previous namesSouthern 500 (1950–1988)
Heinz Southern 500 (1989–1991)
Mountain Dew Southern 500 (1992–1997, 2001–2004)
Pepsi Southern 500 (1998–2000)
Dodge Charger 500 (2005–2006)
Dodge Avenger 500 (2007)
Dodge Challenger 500 (2008)
Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com (2009)
Showtime Southern 500 (2010–2011)
Bojangles' Southern 500 (2012–2019)
Most wins (driver)Jeff Gordon (6)
Most wins (team)Hendrick Motorsports (12)
Most wins (manufacturer)Chevrolet (29)
Circuit information
SurfaceAsphalt
Length1.366 mi (2.198 km)
Turns4

The Southern 500, officially known as the Cook Out Southern 500 for sponsorship reasons, is a NASCAR Cup Series stock car race at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, United States. The race distance is 501 miles (806 km) and consists of 367 laps. From 1950 to 2003, and again since 2015, the race has been held on Labor Day weekend. The Southern 500 is largely considered one of the Crown Jewels of the NASCAR calendar, and has been nicknamed NASCAR's "oldest superspeedway race." For decades, the race has been considered by competitors and media as one of the more difficult and challenging races on the NASCAR schedule, owing much to the track's unusual, asymmetrical egg-shape, rough pavement, and overall unforgiving nature. Darlington Raceway itself has a long and storied reputation as the "Track Too Tough to Tame."

The Southern 500 has a storied history, including Bill Elliott famously winning the Winston Million in 1985, and Jeff Gordon doing the same in 1997. It is also the site of Darrell Waltrip's final career victory (1992).

Through 2004, Darlington held two Cup series races annually, the Southern 500 in the fall, and a 400-mile event in the spring. In 2004, the Southern 500 was moved to November and was run as the second-to-last race in the inaugural Chase for the Championship. The following year, as the result of a settlement in the Ferko lawsuit, Darlington lost one of its two dates. The 500-mile race was moved to the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend in May and renamed for the sponsorship of Dodge. The race was held as a night race under-the-lights during this period.

The event re-assumed the Southern 500 name in 2009, and in 2015, moved back to its traditional Labor Day weekend date. From 2015 to 2020, the race weekend has been themed "NASCAR Throwback," with many cars fielding "Throwback" paint schemes (the revitalized spring race has taken that role since 2021). Since 2020, the event is currently scheduled to take place as the first race of the NASCAR playoffs. However, in 2024, the race was the regular season finale, due to broadcaster NBC’s coverage of the Olympics pushing the schedule one week later.

The trophy features photos of previous winners at Darlington.[3]

History

[edit]

1950–2003: Original run on Labor Day Weekend

[edit]

The race began in 1950, as NASCAR's first 500-mile race, and it was the only race of such distance until the Daytona 500 debuted in 1959. Through most of its history, the race was one of NASCAR's premier events, and was known as one of Crown Jewel on the NASCAR circuit. From 1985–1997, it served as the fourth race of the popular Winston Million. Two drivers, Bill Elliott (1985) and Jeff Gordon (1997), clinched the Winston Million with victories in the Southern 500.

The Southern 500 was one of the last races on the circuit to embrace naming rights in its title. In 1989, the race added Heinz as a title sponsor, but kept the traditional "Southern" moniker in its official name. From 1992 to 2004, it was sponsored by PepsiCo products (Pepsi or Mountain Dew).

From 1950 to 2003, this annual event was traditionally held on Labor Day weekend (typically the first weekend of September). In the years before 1984, the race was held on Monday, Labor Day itself.[4]

From 1953 to 1996, there was a Miss Southern 500 beauty pageant where the event winner competed in the Miss South Carolina Pageant the following year. In the entire history of the pageant, only two Miss Southern 500s ever won Miss South Carolina (Amanda Spivey: 1995, Janet Powers: 1997).

2004: November

[edit]

For the 2004 season, a realignment of the NASCAR schedule saw the race move to November. Track management believed the November date would allow for cooler, more comfortable weather for fans, who had increasingly voiced concerns about the hot, humid, weather. Also, it meant the race would be part of the new Chase for the Championship. Rockingham lost its fall date to Fontana, and the Pop Secret 500 was moved to the prestigious Labor Day weekend date.

In 2004, Francis Ferko, a shareholder of the company that owned Texas Motor Speedway, sued NASCAR, saying they had violated antitrust laws by refusing to have a second race at Texas Motor Speedway, as many other tracks had. The case was settled in his favor, and NASCAR was forced to give up one of its Darlington dates so that a second race could be held at Texas.

2005–2013: Mother's Day weekend

[edit]

Starting in 2005, Darlington was forced to contract down to one race per year. Officials replaced Darlington's two Cup Series events with one 500-mile race. The event's traditional moniker "Southern 500" was dropped for the time being. The race was situated on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend in mid-May. Mother's Day weekend was a date that had been mostly avoided by NASCAR in recent decades. The Nashville 420 had used the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend for a time until it was discontinued in 1984. Moving the Darlington race to May loosely mimicked the period in which the spring race, once known as the Rebel 500, was held on or around Confederate Memorial Day.

Dodge, which had been sponsoring Darlington's spring race at that point, took over sponsorship of the 500-mile race in May. The title of the race was based on various Dodge models including the Charger, Challenger, and Avenger. The race would be held under-the-lights and proved to be well-attended.

Without a title sponsor after 2008, the race re-adopted the moniker of "Southern 500". Track officials and fans were anxious to revive the traditional name. GoDaddy was signed as presenting sponsor, and it became known as the Southern 500 presented by GoDaddy.com. The race was then sponsored by Showtime Networks from 2010 to 2011, and Bojangles' from 2012 to 2019.

While enjoying renewed success in attendance and popularity in May, there was still desire by some fans, media, and others to move the race back to its traditional Labor Day date. Especially after replacement races (Fontana and Atlanta) failed to gain any foothold on the desirable Labor Day weekend holiday slot. Bruton Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports even offered to buy the Darlington track to return it to Labor Day weekend and "get it back where it belongs".[5]

2014: April

[edit]

In 2014, the race switched dates with the spring Kansas race, and ran in the second weekend in April.[6] This change, like the one ten years earlier, would only last a year. The 2014 race was still run at night, whereas the Kansas race on that date had been run during the afternoon.

2015–present: Return to Labor Day weekend

[edit]

A revived interest in moving the Southern 500 back to Labor Day grew over the summer of 2014. In August 2014, it was announced that 2015 Southern 500 would return to its traditional Labor Day weekend slot, the first time since 2003.[7] To combat the issue of heat and humidity that had resulted in the race originally being moved, the race is currently run Sunday night of Labor Day weekend, under the lights, with temperatures being cooler than they are during daytime hours.

To celebrate the return of the race to its traditional weekend, a concerted and highly publicized effort among NASCAR, the track, and teams were made to theme the weekend a "NASCAR Throwback." Thirty-two cars in the 43 car field ran throwback paint schemes during the event, with various other throwback aspects planned throughout the weekend.[8] It was announced days before the race that legendary broadcasters Ken Squier, Ned Jarrett and Dale Jarrett would announce part of the race. Some hour into the broadcasting, Squier, and the Jarretts called the race lap-by-lap for about an hour. NBC, which also utilized its logos from the 1970s during the broadcast, was widely praised by many for bringing back old memories in the sport. The success of the event led to a nomination for Sports Event of the Year.[9]

Due to the success and popularity in 2015, the "Throwback" theme for the weekend was run from 2015 to 2020. In 2021, with the reinstatement of the second weekend during the 2020 season, the theme was moved to the spring race in order to allow playoff teams to focus on the playoff.[10]

Bojangles' ended its title sponsorship of the race after the 2019 race.[11]

When the 2020 schedule was released, the Southern 500 was scheduled as the only race at the track, again on Labor Day weekend. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Darlington Raceway returned to having two race weekends, as the The Real Heroes 400 and the Toyota 500, as part of returning to the track following a nine-week pause. The Southern 500 became the first race of the NASCAR playoffs due to NASCAR ending the season a week earlier than usual, at Phoenix Raceway. The race was previously held in the playoffs when it began in 2004 as the ninth race. This schedule placement became permanent starting in 2021, except in 2024 when it was made the regular season finale because of a two-week break imposed by NBC Sports for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Cook Out, which had sponsored with Darlington Raceway as the official quick-service restaurant of the track, assumed naming rights for the Southern 500 in 2020.[1].

Selected race summaries

[edit]
  • 1950: The very first running lasted over six hours and multiple cars blew tires. Johnny Mantz drove a conservative race and emerged with the win.
  • 1960: In a race with 48 entries, numerous crashes occurred. Ankrum "Spook" Crawford was injured when a car crashed into the unprotected pit road area; later Bobby Johns crashed in the pits, killing three. Richard Petty led 106 laps but spun out with 50 laps to go. Pole-sitter Fireball Roberts broke an axle and finished ninth, 11 laps down. Rex White was flagged the winner, but a reexamination of scoring showed White was credited with one extra lap he had not run, giving the win to Buck Baker.
  • 1965: Darel Dieringer broke with 39 laps to go after leading 199 laps, leaving Ned Jarrett alone by 14 laps en route to the win. The race saw a scary melee when young Cale Yarborough crashed with Sam McQuagg in Turn One and Cale's car flew over the guardrail and landed outside the speedway; he was uninjured and interviewed for ABC Sports by Chris Economaki.
  • 1966: Darel Dieringer passed Richard Petty with seven laps to go and stormed to the win. A scary crash erupted in Turn One as Earl Balmer smashed into the guardrail on Lap 186 and spun atop it, throwing debris into the open-air press box in the turn.
  • 1967: Richard Petty wins his only Southern 500
  • 1970: Buddy Baker joined his father Buck Baker in winning the Southern 500. Five of the top six finishers drove either 1969 Dodge Daytonas or 1970 Plymouth Superbirds, making this the only Darlington race won by the famed winged Chryslers. LeeRoy Yarbrough, due to compete in the event, withdrew after a last-minute offer of a ride in the California 500.[12]
  • 1974: Cale Yarborough became a three-time Southern 500 winner, edging sophomore sensation Darrell Waltrip. Crashes thinned the field and eliminated the likes of Richard Petty, Buddy Baker, David Pearson, and Bobby Allison; singled out for criticism was Richie Panch, involved in three wrecks during the day. Allison accused Yarborough of wrecking him, a charge Yarborough angrily denied.
  • 1976: David Pearson ended a career slump in the Southern 500, taking his ninth win of his magic 1976 season, his first Southern 500 after six wins in the Rebel 500. Richard Petty finished second, the 60th time in their careers Pearson and Petty had finished 1–2 in a Winston Cup Grand National race (the duo would finish 1–2 three more times in their careers with Pearson holding a 33–30 edge). Both Jimmy Carter and Bob Dole visited the race while on the campaign trail.[13]
  • 1977: A huge fight between Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip ended in a crash and Pearson grabbed his second straight Southern 500. Following the race D. K. Ulrich, caught up in the fracas, asked Cale why he'd hit him; Cale replied "I didn't hit you, Jaws did; Jaws Waltrip" – creating a popular nickname for Waltrip.
  • 1979: Pearson achieved vindication at the same track where earlier that year a pit accident cost him his ride with Wood Brothers Racing. Driving Rod Osterlund's Chevrolet while regular driver Dale Earnhardt recovered from late-July injury, Pearson made up a lap when Darrell Waltrip spun out of the lead with 70 laps to go, then spun again some 20 laps later; he lost 12 laps and finished 11th after leading 165 laps. Pearson edged young driver Bill Elliott for the win, his 104th career Winston Cup Grand National win.
  • 1980: Once again Waltrip and Pearson were keys to a shocking Southern 500; this time Waltrip, embroiled in a contract fight with DiGard Racing, led 196 laps from the pole while Pearson once again had to make up a lap, this time driving Hoss Ellington's Chevrolet. But a timing chain broke on Waltrip, ending his race 39 laps from the finish. Benny Parsons grabbed the lead while Pearson got back on the lead lap. A late yellow for Cale Yarborough (who'd had a miserable day with a fuel fire and several earlier spins) set up a five-lap shootout between Parsons, Pearson, and Dale Earnhardt; Pearson took the lead on the restart, Earnhardt passed on Lap 364 but Pearson retook the lead on that same lap, but with two to go all three leaders crashed, in Turn, One on oil from a backmarker; Pearson limped to the line, but Terry Labonte caught and swung past at the white flag, grabbing his first career win.
  • 1982: The most competitive running of the Southern 500 took place as the lead changed 41 times among 17 drivers. Bobby Allison in the #88 led 88 laps before breaking, while Darrell Waltrip in Junior Johnson's Buick led 23 laps before blowing his engine. In all 14 cautions flew and helped set up a four-car shootout involving the cream of stock car racing's old guard (Cale Yarborough and Richard Petty) and the cream of its up-and-coming new guard (Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott). Cale edged Petty, Earnhardt, and Elliott for his record fifth Southern 500, and what would be his last victory with M.C. Anderson's race team.
  • 1985: NASCAR's Winston Million program paid out when Bill Elliott took the win in the Southern 500, thus winning three of NASCAR's four biggest races (he'd won the Daytona 500 and Winston 500 earlier in the year). Challenges by Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough fell apart; Yarborough finished second despite breaking a power steering line. The million-dollar program made Elliott's winnings the highest in NASCAR history to that point.
  • 1986: Tim Richmond and Geoff Bodine swept the front row and combined to lead 330 laps. Intermittent rain pushed the four-hour contest to darkness. Bodine ran dry and finished eighth while Bill Elliott's attempt to stretch his fuel came short with six to go and he finished third behind Richmond and Bobby Allison. The win was the first at Darlington for crew chief Harry Hyde. Dale Earnhardt hit Richard Petty six laps in and Petty was eliminated; "His mind goes out of gear," said an angered Petty.
  • 1987: Rain-shortened 1987 running after just 202 laps; the battle for the win turned into a showdown between Earnhardt and Richard Petty; Petty gunned past Earnhardt on a Lap 188 restart but Earnhardt retook the lead on lap 191 just before rain brought out what would be the race-ending yellow at Lap 198. Rookie sensation Davey Allison won the pole and led 86 laps but crashed in Turn Four at Lap 164; the crash swept up Lake Speed while Mike Potter spun behind them and was drilled by Benny Parsons.
  • 1988: A classic three-way battle between Bill Elliott, Rusty Wallace, and Dale Earnhardt who led a combined 289 of the 367 laps. In the end, Elliott led 154 of the 367 laps, and took home his 2nd Southern 500 victory, en route to capturing the 1988 Winston Cup Championship.
  • 1989: Darrell Waltrip had opportunity to win the Winston Million but crashed, leaving Dale Earnhardt to his second Southern 500 win.
  • 1990: Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, and Geoff Bodine timed together in the top three and combined to lead 286 laps between them; Bodine faded to eighth while Elliott finished fourth and Ernie Irvan led 70 laps and grabbed second, but no one could catch Earnhardt en route to his third Southern 500 in his previous four starts. The race was famous for a vicious feud between Ken Schrader and Morgan Shepherd; Schrader crashed early in the race after an encounter with Shepherd, then after getting repairs he sped onto the track and rammed Shepherd in the third turn. Shepherd finished 21st while Schrader was parked.
  • 1991: Harry Gant won the Southern 500 for the second time, leading 152 laps while pole-sitter Davey Allison led 151 laps but finished four laps down. Gant's win began a four-race win streak, the first such in NASCAR since 1987.
  • 1992: Davey Allison entered the race with a chance for the Winston Million, but rain interfered, and cut the race short. Harry Gant and Davey Allison combined to lead 163 laps. With rain approaching the area, the leaders cycled through a series of pit stops around lap 292, but a scant handful of drivers stayed out. Allison's Crew chief Larry McReynolds sent a crew member to the NASCAR hauler to look at the weather radar. The crew member's misinterpretation of the radar led to Allison coming into the pits and changing four tires. Darrell Waltrip was among those who gambled and stayed out, inhered the lead just as the yellow came out for rain on lap 297. The skies opened up, and the race has ended after 298 laps. Davey Allison slid to 5th in the pit stop shuffle and was denied his chance at the million-dollar bonus. The victory would be Waltrip's 84th and final career win.
  • 1993: After an intense battle Mark Martin broke away from Dale Earnhardt and won the Southern 500, his fourth straight Winston Cup win. He and Earnhardt combined to lead 279 laps. Ernie Irvan finished fifth in his debut drive in Robert Yates after an acrimonious split from Morgan McClure Motorsports; Jeff Purvis finished 26th in the McClure Chevrolet.
  • 1994: Despite battling overheating issues in his car, Bill Elliott scores his 3rd win in the Southern 500, and the 40th overall win of his NASCAR career. It was the final victory for the team of Junior Johnson & Associates and would also be the final win Elliott would capture in NASCAR until 2001, more than 6 years later.
  • 1997: The initial Winston Million winner in 1985, Bill Elliott, leads a race high 181 of the 367 laps, but ultimately finishes 4th. Jeff Gordon would go on to win his 3rd (of four straight) Southern 500 over Jeff Burton, and with this win (along with his Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 wins earlier in the year) would clinch the Winston Million in its final running of the promotion in NASCAR.
  • 2003: In the last Southern 500 held on Labor Day weekend until 2015, Terry Labonte led the final 33 laps and held off Kevin Harvick for his last win in the Cup series. The race has been labeled by many as the most popular win of 2003 as everybody was always happy to see Labonte win.
  • 2011: Regan Smith stayed out on a late caution when the rest of the field pitted and sweated out a late crash involving Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch to edge Carl Edwards for his first NASCAR win. The win was overshadowed as Harvick and Busch collided on pit road when Harvick tried to throw a punch at Busch inside his cockpit; NASCAR fined the two drivers and put them on probation after the race.
  • 2012: Jimmie Johnson stayed out during the final round of pit stops on the advice of crew chief Chad Knaus. Johnson would later hold off Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart to score team owner Rick Hendrick's 200th NASCAR Cup Series victory.
  • 2015: 2015 marked several changes. Most notably, the race was rescheduled to its traditional Labor Day date. As part of this return to tradition, the race was dubbed a 'throwback weekend', and the majority of teams entered into the race drove cars with retro paint jobs based on classic paint schemes used in the 1970s and 1980s. Also, retro-style ads were placed on the outside walls, and part of the race was called by former NASCAR broadcasters Ken Squier and father and son Ned and Dale Jarrett. The race also utilized a new experimental rules package that took away downforce from the car. The new package resulted in a very intense race, which saw a record-breaking 18 caution flags, leading to the average green flag run only being about 14.7 laps long. Carl Edwards rallied back from two laps down to overtake Brad Keselowski and take his second win of the year.
  • 2024: 2024 marked the race being held as the regular season finale due to schedule issues regarding the 2024 Summer Olympics, Chase Briscoe would win after holding off Kyle Busch, getting just his second win of his career, and the final win for Stewart–Haas Racing.

Past winners

[edit]
Year Day Date No. Driver Team Manufacturer Race Distance Race Time Average Speed Report Ref
Laps Miles (km)
1950 Monday September 4 98 Johnny Mantz Hubert Westmoreland Plymouth 400 500 (804.672) 6:38:40 75.250 mph (121.103 km/h) Report [14]
1951 Monday September 3 92 Herb Thomas Herb Thomas Hudson 400 500 (804.672) 6:30:05 76.906 mph (123.768 km/h) Report [15]
1952 Monday September 1 14 Fonty Flock Frank Christian Oldsmobile 400 500 (804.672) 6:42:37 74.512 mph (119.915 km/h) Report [16]
1953 Monday September 7 87 Buck Baker Bob Griffin Oldsmobile 364 500.5 (805.476) 5:23:19 92.881 mph (149.477 km/h) Report [17]
1954 Monday September 6 92 Herb Thomas Herb Thomas Hudson 364 500.5 (805.476) 5:16:01 95.026 mph (152.930 km/h) Report [18]
1955 Monday September 5 92 Herb Thomas Herb Thomas 1955 Chevrolet 364 500.5 (805.476) 5:25:25 92.281 mph (148.512 km/h) Report [19]
1956 Monday September 3 99 Curtis Turner Charlie Schwam Ford 364 500.5 (805.476) 5:15:33 95.167 mph (153.156 km/h) Report [20]
1957 Monday September 2 46 Speedy Thompson Speedy Thompson 1957 Chevrolet 364 500.5 (805.476) 5:00:01 100.094 mph (161.086 km/h) Report [21]
1958 Monday September 1 22 Fireball Roberts Frank Strickland 1957 Chevrolet 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:52:44 102.585 mph (165.095 km/h) Report [22]
1959 Monday September 7 7 Jim Reed Jim Reed Chevrolet 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:28:30 111.836 mph (179.983 km/h) Report [23]
1960 Monday September 5 47 Buck Baker Jack Smith Pontiac 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:43:34 105.901 mph (170.431 km/h) Report [24]
1961 Monday September 4 29 Nelson Stacy Dudley Farrell Ford 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:54:45 117.787 mph (189.560 km/h) Report [25]
1962 Monday September 3 66 Larry Frank Ratus Walters Ford 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:14:34 117.965 mph (189.846 km/h) Report [26]
1963 Monday September 2 22 Fireball Roberts Holman-Moody Ford 364 500.5 (805.476) 3:51:23 129.784 mph (208.867 km/h) Report [27]
1964 Monday September 7 3 Buck Baker Ray Fox Dodge 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:15:01 117.757 mph (189.512 km/h) Report [28]
1965 Monday September 6 11 Ned Jarrett Bondy Long Ford 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:19:09 115.878 mph (186.488 km/h) Report [29]
1966 Monday September 5 16 Darel Dieringer Bud Moore Engineering Mercury 364 500.5 (805.476) 4:21:31 114.830 mph (184.801 km/h) Report [30]
1967 Monday September 4 43 Richard Petty Petty Enterprises Plymouth 364 500.5 (805.476) 3:50:15 130.423 mph (209.895 km/h) Report [31]
1968 Monday September 2 21 Cale Yarborough Wood Brothers Racing Mercury 364 500.5 (805.476) 3:58:05 126.132 mph (202.990 km/h) Report [32]
1969 Monday September 1 98 LeeRoy Yarbrough Junior Johnson & Associates Ford 230* 316.25 (508.955) 2:59:40 105.612 mph (169.966 km/h) Report [33]
1970 Monday September 7 6 Buddy Baker Cotton Owens Dodge 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:55:03 128.817 mph (207.311 km/h) Report [34]
1971 Monday September 6 21 Bobby Allison Holman-Moody Mercury 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:48:55 131.398 mph (211.465 km/h) Report [35]
1972 Monday September 4 12 Bobby Allison Junior Johnson & Associates Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:54:46 128.124 mph (206.196 km/h) Report [36]
1973 Monday September 3 11 Cale Yarborough Richard Howard Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:44:25 134.033 mph (215.705 km/h) Report [37]
1974 Monday September 2 11 Cale Yarborough Junior Johnson & Associates Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:30:48 111.075 mph (178.758 km/h) Report [38]
1975 Monday September 1 16 Bobby Allison Penske Racing AMC 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:17:28 116.825 mph (188.012 km/h) Report [39]
1976 Monday September 6 21 David Pearson Wood Brothers Racing Mercury 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:09:33 120.534 mph (193.981 km/h) Report [40]
1977 Monday September 5 21 David Pearson Wood Brothers Racing Mercury 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:41:48 106.797 mph (171.873 km/h) Report [41]
1978 Monday September 4 11 Cale Yarborough Junior Johnson & Associates Oldsmobile 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:17:46 116.828 mph (188.016 km/h) Report [42]
1979 Monday September 3 2 David Pearson Rod Osterlund Racing Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:58:14 126.259 mph (203.194 km/h) Report [43]
1980 Monday September 1 44 Terry Labonte Billy Hagan Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:21:05 115.210 mph (185.413 km/h) Report [44]
1981 Monday September 7 21 Neil Bonnett Wood Brothers Racing Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:57:57 126.410 mph (203.437 km/h) Report [45]
1982 Monday September 6 27 Cale Yarborough M. C. Anderson Racing Buick 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:21:00 115.224 mph (185.435 km/h) Report [46]
1983 Monday September 5 22 Bobby Allison DiGard Motorsports Buick 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:03:52 123.343 mph (198.501 km/h) Report [47]
1984 Sunday September 2 33 Harry Gant Mach 1 Racing Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:54:02 128.270 mph (206.431 km/h) Report [48]
1985 Sunday September 1 9 Bill Elliott* Melling Racing Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:08:02 121.254 mph (195.139 km/h) Report [49]
1986 Sunday August 31 25 Tim Richmond Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:08:45 121.068 mph (194.840 km/h) Report [50]
1987 Sunday September 6 3 Dale Earnhardt Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 202* 275.932 (444.069) 2:23:19 115.520 mph (185.911 km/h) Report [51]
1988 Sunday September 4 9 Bill Elliott Melling Racing Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:54:27 128.297 mph (206.474 km/h) Report [52]
1989 Sunday September 3 3 Dale Earnhardt Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:42:03 135.462 mph (218.005 km/h) Report [53]
1990 Sunday September 2 3 Dale Earnhardt Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:04:16 123.141 mph (198.176 km/h) Report [54]
1991 Sunday September 1 33 Harry Gant Leo Jackson Racing Oldsmobile 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:45:18 133.508 mph (214.860 km/h) Report [55]
1992 Sunday September 6 17 Darrell Waltrip DarWal, Inc. Chevrolet 298* 407.068 (655.112) 3:09:10 129.114 mph (207.789 km/h) Report [56]
1993 Sunday September 5 6 Mark Martin Roush Racing Ford 351* 479.466 (771.625) 3:28:34 137.932 mph (221.980 km/h) Report [57]
1994 Sunday September 4 11 Bill Elliott Junior Johnson & Associates Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:55:05 127.952 mph (205.919 km/h) Report [58]
1995 Sunday September 3 24 Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:08:07 121.231 mph (195.102 km/h) Report [59]
1996 Sunday September 1 24 Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:41:34 135.757 mph (218.480 km/h) Report [60]
1997 Sunday August 31 24 Jeff Gordon* Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:08:17 121.149 mph (194.970 km/h) Report [61]
1998 Sunday September 6 24 Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:36:21 139.031 mph (223.749 km/h) Report [62]
1999 Sunday September 5 99 Jeff Burton Roush Racing Ford 270* 368.82 (593.558) 3:25:15 107.816 mph (173.513 km/h) Report [63]
2000 Sunday September 3 18 Bobby Labonte Joe Gibbs Racing Pontiac 328* 448.048 (721.063) 4:08:20 108.273 mph (174.249 km/h) Report [64]
2001 Sunday September 2 22 Ward Burton Bill Davis Racing Dodge 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:05:00 122.773 mph (197.584 km/h) Report [65]
2002 Sunday September 1 24 Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:13:35 118.617 mph (190.896 km/h) Report [66]
2003 Sunday August 31 5 Terry Labonte Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:09:08 120.733 mph (194.301 km/h) Report [67]
2004* Sunday November 14 48 Jimmie Johnson Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:00:33 125.044 mph (201.239 km/h) Report [68]
2005 Saturday May 7 16 Greg Biffle Roush Racing Ford 370* 505.42 (813.394) 4:06:29 123.031 mph (197.999 km/h) Report [69]
2006 Saturday May 13 16 Greg Biffle Roush Racing Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:42:36 135.127 mph (217.466 km/h) Report [70]
2007 Sunday May 13* 24 Jeff Gordon Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:01:50 124.372 mph (200.157 km/h) Report [71]
2008 Saturday May 10 18 Kyle Busch Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:34:19 140.35 mph (225.87 km/h) Report [72]
2009 Saturday May 9 5 Mark Martin Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:11:19 119.687 mph (192.618 km/h) Report [73]
2010 Saturday May 8 11 Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:57:35 126.605 mph (203.751 km/h) Report [74]
2011 Saturday May 7 78 Regan Smith Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet 370* 505.42 (813.394) 3:53:51 129.678 mph (208.697 km/h) Report [75]
2012 Saturday May 12 48 Jimmie Johnson Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 368* 502.688 (808.997) 3:45:25 133.802 mph (215.333 km/h) Report [76]
2013 Saturday May 11 20 Matt Kenseth Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:32:45 141.383 mph (227.534 km/h) Report [77]
2014 Saturday April 12 4 Kevin Harvick Stewart–Haas Racing Chevrolet 374* 510.884 (822.188) 3:53:37 131.211 mph (211.164 km/h) Report [78]
2015 Sunday September 6 19 Carl Edwards Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:28:35 111.993 mph (180.235 km/h) Report [79]
2016 Sunday September 4 78 Martin Truex Jr. Furniture Row Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:57:54 126.437 mph (203.481 km/h) Report [80]
2017 Sunday September 3 11 Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:46:34 132.761 mph (213.658 km/h) Report [81]
2018 Sunday September 2 2 Brad Keselowski Team Penske Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:48:54 131.408 mph (211.481 km/h) Report [82]
2019 Sunday
Monday 		September 1–2 20 Erik Jones Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:44:46 133.825 mph (215.370 km/h) Report [83]
2020 Sunday September 6 4 Kevin Harvick Stewart–Haas Racing Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:47:26 132.256 mph (212.845 km/h) Report [84]
2021 Sunday September 5 11 Denny Hamlin Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:08:01 121.279 mph (195.180 km/h) Report [85]
2022 Sunday September 4 43 Erik Jones Petty GMS Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:09:49 120.406 mph (193.775 km/h) Report [86]
2023 Sunday September 3 5 Kyle Larson Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 367 501.322 (806.799) 4:08:47 120.906 mph (194.579 km/h) Report [87]
2024 Sunday September 1 14 Chase Briscoe Stewart–Haas Racing Ford 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:55:14 127.800 mph (205.674 km/h) Report [88]
2025 Sunday August 31 19 Chase Briscoe Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota 367 501.322 (806.799) 3:51:7 130.148 miles per hour (209.453 km/h) Report [89]
2026 Sunday September 6 Report
  • 1969 and 1993: Race shortened due to rain/darkness.
  • 1987, 1992, 1999, and 2000: Race shortened due to rain.
  • 2005, 2011–2012, and 2014: Race extended due to NASCAR overtime.
  • 2007: Race postponed from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon due to rain.[90]
  • 2019: Race started on Sunday but finished Monday morning due to rain.[91]

Multiple winners (drivers)

[edit]
# Wins Driver Years won
6 Jeff Gordon 1995–1998, 2002, 2007
5 Cale Yarborough 1968, 1973–1974, 1978, 1982
4 Bobby Allison 1971–1972, 1975, 1983
3 Herb Thomas 1951, 1954–1955
Buck Baker 1953, 1960, 1964
David Pearson 1976–1977, 1979
Dale Earnhardt 1987, 1989–1990
Bill Elliott 1985, 1988, 1994
Denny Hamlin 2010, 2017, 2021
2 Fireball Roberts 1958, 1963
Harry Gant 1984, 1991
Terry Labonte 1980, 2003
Mark Martin 1993, 2009
Greg Biffle 2005–2006
Jimmie Johnson 2004, 2012
Kevin Harvick 2014, 2020
Erik Jones 2019, 2022
Chase Briscoe 2024–2025

Multiple winners (teams)

[edit]
# Wins Team Years won
12 Hendrick Motorsports 1986, 1995–1998, 2002–2004, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2023
9 Joe Gibbs Racing 2000, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025
4 Junior Johnson & Associates 1969, 1974, 1978, 1994
Roush Racing 1993, 1999, 2005–2006
Wood Brothers Racing 1968, 1976–1977, 1981
3 Herb Thomas 1951, 1954–1955
Richard Childress Racing 1987, 1989–1990
Stewart–Haas Racing 2014, 2020, 2024
2 Holman-Moody 1963, 1971
Richard Howard 1972–1973
Melling Racing 1985, 1988
Furniture Row Racing 2011, 2016
Team Penske 1975, 2018

Manufacturer wins

[edit]
# Wins Manufacturer Years won
29 Chevrolet 1955, 1957–1959, 1972–1974, 1979–1980, 1984, 1986–1987, 1989–1990, 1992, 1995–1998, 2002–2004, 2007, 2009, 2011–2012, 2014, 2022–2023
17 Ford 1956, 1961–1963, 1965, 1969, 1981, 1985, 1988, 1993–1994, 1999, 2005–2006, 2018, 2020, 2024
9 Toyota 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015–2017, 2019, 2021, 2025
5 Mercury 1966, 1968, 1971, 1976–1977
4 Oldsmobile 1952–1953, 1978, 1991
3 Dodge 1964, 1970, 2001
2 Hudson 1951, 1954
Plymouth 1950, 1967
Buick 1982, 1983
Pontiac 1960, 2000
1 AMC 1975

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Southern 500

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Southern 500 is an annual stock car race in the , held at in , covering a distance of 501 miles over 367 laps on the track's 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval. As of 2025, it is sponsored by Cook Out and known as the Cook Out Southern 500, having been a staple of the series since its as NASCAR's first 500-mile race on September 4, 1950, when Johnny Mantz won from a field of 75 cars in front of 25,000 spectators. The event, often called the "Granddaddy of Them All," earned its name as the original superspeedway race at the "Track Too Tough to Tame," drawing large crowds and offering the largest purse ($25,320) in history at the time of its debut. Traditionally scheduled for weekend from 1950 to 2003 and again since 2015, it serves as the opening race of the and highlights the demanding nature of Darlington's high-banked turns, which challenge drivers with tire wear and close-quarters racing. Over its 75-year history, the race has produced iconic moments, including record fields like the 82 cars that entered in 1951, and has been won by legends such as Pearson and (six times each), cementing its status as one of NASCAR's most prestigious events.

Race Overview

Event Details

The Cook Out Southern 500 is a 501.32-mile race contested over 367 laps on the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval at in . Typically held as the opening event of the Cup Series since its return to the weekend slot in 2015, with the exception of 2024, the race takes place on weekend, with a Sunday evening green flag at 6:00 p.m. ET. The event serves as a points-paying race in the , featuring a 40-car starting field under the charter system established in 2018. Sponsorship for the Southern 500 has evolved significantly since its , with early iterations running without a title sponsor before major partnerships began in the late ; notable title sponsors include PepsiCo products (1992–2004), Showtime (2010–2011), Bojangles' (2012–2019), and Cook Out since 2020. The 2025 purse totaled $10,447,135, distributed among teams based on finishing position, performance, and charter status, marking a substantial increase from prior years reflective of rising NASCAR media rights values. Broadcast coverage airs live on , with streaming available on the app, and radio on (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Historical Significance

The Southern 500 holds a prestigious place in history as one of the sport's four "Crown Jewel" races, alongside the , , and , recognized for their enduring prestige, high stakes, and cultural resonance within the Cup Series. Established in 1950 at in , it was the inaugural 500-mile event in NASCAR's top division, earning the nickname "The Granddaddy of Them All" for pioneering the long-distance format that became a hallmark of superspeedway racing. This milestone race drew 25,000 spectators and featured 75 entries from 12 automakers, underscoring its immediate impact on elevating from regional spectacles to national competitions. Darlington Raceway's unique egg-shaped oval has cemented the Southern 500's reputation for unparalleled difficulty, inspiring the track's moniker "The Track Too Tough to Tame" due to its demanding layout that exacerbates tire wear and requires precise driving to avoid the walls. Drivers often bear "Darlington stripes"—scrape marks on their cars from incidental contact with the —highlighting the race's physical toll and the skill needed to navigate its unforgiving turns. The event's cultural significance is deeply rooted in Southern heritage, originating from the region's moonshine-running bootleggers who adapted their high-speed evasion skills to organized tracks, with 's construction in the late transforming a peanut field into a symbol of this gritty tradition. Its longstanding weekend slot from 1950 to 2003, and revival since 2015, has woven it into end-of-summer rituals, fostering a and among fans in the American South. A pivotal moment in the race's legacy came in 1985 with the introduction of the Winston Million bonus, a $1 million prize awarded to any driver winning three of the four in a single season; claimed it by triumphing at the Southern 500 after victories in the and Winston 500, marking the richest payday in motorsports history at the time and solidifying the event's allure. The Southern 500 has served as the playoff opener in most years since 2020 (2020–2023 and 2025), amplifying its stakes by determining early postseason momentum for title contenders and blending its historical prestige with contemporary championship implications.

Venue and Track

Darlington Raceway

, located in , was constructed between 1949 and 1950 by local businessman and racing enthusiast Harold Brasington as the nation's first superspeedway designed specifically for . Brasington, inspired by the , sought to create a large oval track on farmland outside the city, overcoming challenges like a minnow pond that led to the venue's distinctive egg-shaped configuration to avoid relocating the obstacle. The 1.366-mile asphalt oval features a unique layout with a frontstretch measuring 1,229 feet and a backstretch measuring 1,885 feet and varying banking up to 25 degrees in the turns, earning it the nickname "The Track Too Tough to Tame" due to its demanding high-banked corners that often result in tire wear and the famous "Darlington Stripe" scrapes along the wall. The track officially opened on September 4, 1950, hosting its inaugural event, the Southern 500, which drew 25,000 spectators to the initial concrete bleachers with a seating capacity of 10,000. Over the decades, Darlington's infrastructure expanded significantly to accommodate growing crowds, with grandstand additions boosting capacity from the original 10,000 seats to over 60,000 by the early 2000s through projects like the 1994 Tyler Tower (adding 8,000 seats) and the 1998 Pearson Tower. Ownership transitioned from Brasington's private control—handed over to Bob Colvin as president in 1952 while Brasington remained general manager—to the (ISC) in 1982, which invested in modernization efforts. In 2019, acquired ISC for approximately $2 billion, bringing Darlington under direct ownership by the sanctioning body and ensuring its preservation as a of the . As NASCAR's oldest superspeedway, has hosted a variety of major events beyond the flagship Southern 500, including annual races, Series competitions, and special occasions like Throwback Weekend, solidifying its role as a historic venue for . Key renovations have enhanced its functionality, such as the installation of permanent lighting in 2004 to enable night and alleviate daytime heat, following a $3 million project completed after initial planning in 2003. Earlier modifications included banking adjustments in the 1950s, where Turns 1 and 2 were rebuilt with 26-foot banking from 14 feet as part of a track lengthening to 1.375 miles, and ongoing updates like the 2018 "A Better Darlington" initiative, which renovated grandstands for improved sightlines and fan comfort at a cost of nearly $7 million, followed by seat replacements in the Pearson Tower in 2023 with larger chairback seating including cup holders.

Track Features

Darlington Raceway features an egg-shaped oval design measuring 1.366 miles in length, distinguishing it from symmetrical ovals and contributing to its challenging handling characteristics. The track's turns vary in radius and banking, with Turns 1 and 2 offering 25 degrees of banking over a wider 79-foot width, while Turns 3 and 4 provide 23 degrees of banking in a narrower 62-foot span. The frontstretch has 6 degrees of banking across 1,229 feet, and the backstretch features 2 degrees over 1,885 feet, forcing drivers to adjust setups for the asymmetric layout that promotes side-to-side racing and demands precise throttle control to avoid the walls. The asphalt surface, last fully repaved in , spans a consistent width of approximately 60 feet along much of the , fostering intense close-quarters competition where passing often occurs in tight packs. This abrasive layout exacerbates wear, making a critical ; teams typically plan for 4 to 5 changes per race due to the surface's tendency to chew through rubber, especially on longer runs, which can drop lap times by several seconds if not addressed. The track's design inherently encourages "Darlington stripes"—black scuff marks on the right-side quarter panels from drivers brushing the outside wall to maximize speed through the tighter Turn 4 exit, a tactic popularized since the that symbolizes survival at this venue. Historical modifications have refined these features while preserving the track's toughness. Upon opening in 1950, the infield was expanded to accommodate spectator parking and camping, enhancing accessibility for the inaugural Southern 500's massive crowds. In 1970, retaining walls were added around the perimeter, and Turns 1 and 2 were rebuilt, shortening the official length to 1.366 miles by excluding the apron from measurements and steepening banking for higher speeds. Further updates in 2005 included facility enhancements like improved grandstand sightlines through seating adjustments, maintaining the core layout's demands. In the modern era, the fastest recorded race lap stands at approximately 29 seconds, set during qualifying sessions, while average race speeds have peaked at 139.958 mph in a 1993 event, underscoring the track's evolution toward faster yet unforgiving racing.

History

1950–2003: Labor Day Era

The Southern 500 debuted on September 4, 1950, as NASCAR's inaugural 500-mile race, held at the newly constructed Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. Johnny Mantz won the event in a Plymouth, starting from the 75th and final position in a record field of 75 cars, leading 311 laps and finishing nine laps ahead of second-place Bill Rexford after tire durability issues plagued many competitors. The race covered 400 laps on the original 1.25-mile asphalt oval, lasting 6 hours, 38 minutes, and 40 seconds under hot conditions, drawing approximately 25,000 spectators and offering a then-record purse of $25,320. This event marked the sport's shift toward longer-distance races on paved superspeedways, elevating Darlington as a premier venue and establishing the Southern 500 as stock car racing's flagship competition ahead of the Daytona 500's introduction in 1959. From its outset, the Southern 500 solidified as a weekend tradition, running annually on the holiday Monday from 1950 through 2003 and becoming a cultural in the American South. The event attracted large family-oriented crowds from across the region, fostering a festive atmosphere with pre-race picnics, local vendor gatherings, and community celebrations that blended motorsport with end-of-summer holiday customs. Its endurance format tested drivers and cars over grueling distances, emphasizing strategy and reliability, while Darlington's unforgiving "egg-shaped" layout—featuring high banking and abrasive asphalt—earned it the nickname "The Lady in Black" for the tire wear it inflicted. By the , the race had grown into 's most prestigious event, hosting two annual dates at the track starting that and drawing national attention as the series professionalized. Key infrastructural enhancements during this period enhanced the race's appeal and safety. In 1953, the track's turns 1 and 2 were rebuilt and banked to 26 feet, extending the layout slightly to 1.375 miles while maintaining the 500-mile distance through lap adjustments. A major reconfiguration in 1970 shortened the frontstretch and backstretch, remeasuring the oval to 1.366 miles and reducing the race to 367 laps for a total of 501 miles, which became the standard format. These changes, combined with periodic repaves using finer asphalt compounds in the , improved lines and reduced excessive wear, though retained its reputation for demanding precision. The era featured intense rivalries among Southern drivers, exemplified by Cale Yarborough's dominance in the 1970s, when he secured three victories (1973, 1974, and 1978) en route to five career Southern 500 wins, showcasing his mastery of the track's challenges. Yarborough's triumphs, often in close battles with peers like David Pearson and , highlighted the race's role in building legends and regional pride. As the sport expanded commercially in the late , the Southern 500 remained a touchstone of tradition, but external pressures emerged by 2003. That year, the Ferko lawsuit—filed by shareholder Francis Ferko alleging NASCAR's antitrust violations in scheduling—threatened the event's status, ultimately leading to its relocation in a 2004 settlement that redistributed dates to new venues. This legal challenge underscored growing tensions between tradition and expansion, signaling the end of the Southern 500's uninterrupted half-century as a mainstay.

2004–2014: Schedule Shifts

In 2004, the Southern 500 was relocated from its traditional Labor Day weekend slot to November 14, serving as the opening event of NASCAR's inaugural Chase for the Nextel Cup championship. The race, titled the Mountain Dew Southern 500, was won by Jimmie Johnson driving the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking his eighth victory of the season and helping him close the points gap in the title fight. This shift resulted from the settlement of the Ferko v. NASCAR lawsuit, in which Speedway Motorsports Inc. shareholder Francis Ferko sued to secure additional race dates for its tracks; the agreement mandated two annual NASCAR Cup Series events at Darlington Raceway to balance the schedule, including the addition of a spring date while moving the Southern 500 to fall. From 2005 to 2013, the Southern 500 was rescheduled to weekend in mid-May, becoming a night race under Dodge sponsorship as part of the Carolina Dodge Dealers' title arrangement. Initially named the Charger 500 in 2005, the event retained vehicle-themed titles like the 500 through 2008 before restoring the "Southern 500" moniker in 2009 to honor its heritage, as announced by track president . This period maintained Darlington's dual-race status per the 2004 settlement, with the spring event complementing a fall race at the track, though the non-traditional timing contributed to noticeable declines in attendance compared to the era, prompting concerns over the venue's long-term viability. In 2014, the Southern 500 was held as a one-off event on April 12, swapping dates with the spring race to accommodate broader schedule adjustments around Easter weekend. Titled the Bojangles' Southern 500, it marked the final non- iteration before consolidated to a single annual date, reflecting ongoing efforts to address falling viewership and attendance during off-season weekends while prioritizing high-profile slots. The move underscored the interim instability following the Ferko settlement, as the track transitioned back toward its foundational tradition.

2015–Present: Revival and Playoffs

In 2015, the Southern 500 was restored to its traditional weekend slot after over a decade of scheduling disruptions, marking a significant revival of its historical prestige as NASCAR's oldest superspeedway event. The race distance was reinstated to the full (367 laps), aligning with its original format and emphasizing Raceway's enduring legacy. Concurrently, Throwback Weekend was introduced that year, featuring retro paint schemes that honored NASCAR's past drivers, teams, and sponsors, which added a nostalgic layer to the event and drew widespread acclaim from fans and participants. By 2020, the Southern 500 underwent further evolution with the adoption of stage racing, structured in three segments of 115 laps, 115 laps, and 137 laps to heighten competition and strategic depth. This coincided with its elevation to the opening race of the playoffs' Round of 16, amplifying its stakes as drivers vied for advancement in the postseason championship format. In , schedule adjustments necessitated by the Summer Olympics conflict repositioned the Southern 500 as the regular-season finale, a one-time exception that intensified its role in setting the playoff field without altering its core traditions. Returning to its playoff opener status in 2025, the race occurred on August 31, where secured his second consecutive victory, leading a dominant performance that propelled him to the next playoff round and underscored the event's critical influence on championship contention. These developments have solidified the Southern 500's integration into modern , blending historical reverence with contemporary playoff dynamics.

Race Format

Length and Structure

The Cook Out Southern 500 is structured as a 367-lap event covering 501.32 miles around the 1.366-mile . Since the introduction of stage racing in the in , the race divides into three segments: 1 spans laps 1–115, 2 covers laps 116–230, and the Final Stage runs laps 231–367. An automatic caution period occurs at the conclusion of s 1 and 2, providing teams with a brief window—typically 5–7 minutes—for optional pit stops to change tires, add fuel, and make adjustments without incurring a penalty. Historically, the race length has varied due to changes in track configuration. The inaugural 1950 Southern 500 consisted of 400 laps to reach on the original 1.25-mile layout. Following modifications, including an extension after the 1950 event and retaining walls added in 1970 that adjusted the official length to 1.366 miles, the distance was standardized to 367 laps starting with the 1970 edition to exceed . Pit strategy plays a pivotal role in the Southern 500, with teams balancing fuel mileage and tire management amid the track's high abrasion. Darlington's surface causes significant tire wear, often necessitating 4–6 sets of tires over the race, while fuel windows allow teams to potentially complete the full distance on a single tank if pitting aligns with stage cautions and no additional stops are required. Double-file restarts, implemented league-wide in 2009, line up lead-lap cars side-by-side at the front of the field following cautions, heightening competition and passing opportunities in the closing stages. This format has amplified late-race intensity at since its adoption. Weather conditions can alter the race structure, with reserving the right to shorten or postpone events due to rain.

Playoff Integration

Since its integration into NASCAR's in 2020, the Southern 500 has primarily served as the opening race of the Round of 16, heightening its stakes as the first elimination-style event where drivers compete for crucial playoff points under reset championship standings. In this format, the 16 playoff qualifiers enter the with their points reset to 2,000 plus accumulated playoff bonus points from the regular season, and performance here sets the tone for the three-race round, with the bottom four in points eliminated after the finale at . For 2020 through 2023 and again in 2025, the race kicked off the at , while in 2024 it functioned as the regular-season closer, awarding the final automatic playoff berth to its winner. Points allocation in the Southern 500 mirrors the standard system, with the winner earning 40 championship points plus five playoff points, and stage winners receiving additional bonuses: 10 points for the winner of each (plus one playoff point per stage win), with top-10 stage finishers awarded descending points from 10 to one. These playoff points accumulate across the round, providing a buffer for drivers against poor finishes, as only race wins guarantee automatic advancement to the Round of 12. The race's 367-lap format, divided into stages of 115, 230, and the remainder, amplifies the pressure, as early stage points can separate contenders early. The elimination dynamics create intense competition, with drivers on the playoff bubble facing immediate risk of falling behind after , though cuts occur post-round; a strong start here often bolsters odds by building a points cushion. 's egg-shaped, 1.366-mile layout, known for its surface and narrow 23-foot width, tests contenders' car setups and driving precision, frequently resulting in wall contact or tire wear issues that eliminate top seeds—evident in when 10 of the 16 playoff drivers encountered trouble, from crashes to strategy errors. A landmark moment came in 2020, the inaugural playoff edition, when capitalized on late-race contact between leaders and to secure the win, earning his eighth victory of the season and advancing Stewart-Haas Racing's title hopes in a year of dominance. The track's unforgiving nature has since proven pivotal, weeding out vulnerable drivers and rewarding adaptability, as seen in multiple playoff openers where favorites like ' quartet struggled with uncharacteristic mishaps in 2025. In 2025, Chase Briscoe's dominant performance—leading 309 laps in the No. 19 , sweeping both stages, and holding off —netted maximum points and locked his advancement to the Round of 12, showcasing how a flawless run at can vault a driver amid widespread chaos for rivals. This victory highlighted the race's role in reshaping playoff narratives, with Briscoe's edge in speed and strategy underscoring Darlington's emphasis on execution over raw pace.

Notable Events

Throwback Weekend

Throwback Weekend was introduced in as part of the Southern 500's return to its traditional weekend slot at , featuring retro paint schemes that pay homage to NASCAR's history by honoring past drivers, teams, and sponsors. Teams participating in Throwback Weekend must submit proposed paint scheme designs to for approval, with schemes typically replicating numbers, colors, and sponsor logos from previous eras. For example, in 2023, multiple entries from paid tribute to the team's legacy, including schemes evoking their early successes. The event includes a range of associated activities to engage fans, such as driver and legend Q&A sessions, autograph opportunities, the annual Throwback Parade featuring vintage cars and Hall of Famers, and dedicated fan zones offering interactive exhibits on racing history. In 2021, Throwback Weekend proceeded on the relocated spring date but with scaled-back elements and limited fan capacity due to protocols, before resuming in 2022 with fuller participation and enhanced on-site programming. Throwback Weekend plays a key cultural role in preserving NASCAR's heritage by connecting modern fans to the sport's roots through visual and experiential tributes, contributing to heightened popularity and drawing larger crowds to . For the 2025 edition, coinciding with Darlington Raceway's 75th anniversary, schemes emphasized the track's milestones, including Chase Briscoe's No. 19 Bass Pro Shops entry honoring Mark Martin's successful 1990s Busch Series campaigns.

Key Race Moments

The inaugural Southern 500 on September 4, 1950, marked NASCAR's first 500-mile race and featured an upset victory by Johnny Mantz, who started 43rd and led 351 of 400 laps to win by a margin of nine laps using durable truck tires that outlasted competitors' rubber on the demanding Darlington oval. In 1985, Bill Elliott captured the Winston Million bonus with his Southern 500 triumph on September 1, completing a sweep of NASCAR's four major races that season—Daytona 500, Winston 500 at Talladega, Coca-Cola 600, and the Southern 500—for a record $1,053,725 payday and earning his "Million Dollar Bill" moniker. Jeff Gordon secured the second Winston Million on September 1, 1997, by winning the Mountain Dew Southern 500 after blocking teammate Jeff Burton on the final lap, tying Elliott's feat with victories in the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, and Darlington's crown jewel event during his dominant four-consecutive Southern 500 wins from 1995 to 1998. Terry Labonte's emotional victory in the final Weekend on August 31, 2003, served as his last Winston Cup Series win at age 47, edging out and in a for his second career triumph at and capping a 23-year gap between his first and final Cup victories. Denny Hamlin opened the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with a Southern 500 win on September 5, holding off Kyle Larson by a car-length in a tense final-lap duel amid multiple cautions that reshuffled the field, marking his third victory at Darlington and first of the season. The 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 regular-season finale on September 1 delivered playoff chaos when Chase Briscoe's surprise win locked in his postseason spot, eliminating Bubba Wallace and Chris Buescher from contention, compounded by early multicar incidents like the Lap 3 crash that sidelined Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Blaney. In the 75th running of the Cook Out Southern 500 on September 7, 2025, secured back-to-back victories with a dominant performance, leading 265 of 367 laps to win by 2.847 seconds over runner-up , marking the first consecutive wins at the event since Greg Biffle in 2005–2006 and highlighting the track's anniversary celebrations. Throughout the Southern 500's history, recurring themes include massive multicar wrecks, such as the 2015 "Big One" that collected over a dozen cars late in the race under the 18th caution, and dramatic comeback drives that highlight Darlington's unforgiving "Lady in Black" layout.

Past Winners

Drivers with Multiple Wins

Jeff Gordon holds the record for the most Southern 500 victories with six, achieved during a dominant era for Chevrolet teams at . His wins came in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2007, including an unprecedented streak of four consecutive triumphs from 1995 to 1998 that underscored his mastery of the egg-shaped track. Cale Yarborough, a three-time champion, secured five Southern 500 wins, all at his home track near : 1968, 1973, 1974, 1978, and 1982. These victories highlighted his versatility across manufacturers and contributed to his legacy as one of the sport's fiercest competitors in the 1960s and 1970s. Bobby Allison tallied four Southern 500 triumphs in 1971, 1972, 1975, and 1983, tying him for third-most all-time and reflecting his consistent prowess during NASCAR's expansion years. His 1983 win, in particular, propelled him to the that season. Several drivers have recorded three wins apiece, including (1987, 1989, 1990), whose back-to-back victories in 1989 and 1990 exemplified his intimidating style during his championship runs. also claimed three (1985, 1988, 1994), with his 1985 success earning him the inaugural $1 million Winston Million bonus for conquering three major races in one season. joined this group with wins in 2010, 2017, and 2021, maintaining his status as one of the active leaders at Darlington's fall classic.
DriverWinsYears Won
61995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2007
51968, 1973, 1974, 1978, 1982
41971, 1972, 1975, 1983
31987, 1989, 1990
31985, 1988, 1994
32010, 2017, 2021
22004, 2012
22024, 2025
Chase Briscoe stands out among active drivers with back-to-back Southern 500 wins in 2024 and 2025, both during the , where he advanced his championship bid each time. His 2025 performance, leading 309 laps, marked one of the most dominant showings in recent . Chevrolet drivers have historically dominated the Southern 500, with 45 victories overall, particularly during Gordon's mid-1990s reign when leveraged superior engineering to outpace Ford and Pontiac entries. This era established benchmarks for consistency and speed on the abrasive 1.366-mile oval.

Teams with Multiple Wins

Hendrick Motorsports leads all organizations in Southern 500 triumphs with 12 victories, a dominance that began in the mid-1980s and intensified in the under team owner . The team's success at Darlington Raceway's crown jewel event reflects strategic investments in engineering and driver development, particularly post-1990s expansions that solidified its status as NASCAR's premier powerhouse. Key wins include Tim Richmond's 1986 victory, a streak of four consecutive triumphs by from 1995 to 1998, and additional successes with drivers like , , , and most recently in 2023. This tally underscores Hendrick's longevity and adaptability amid evolving race formats and playoff integrations. Richard Childress Racing achieved notable success during the Dale Earnhardt era, securing three Southern 500 wins in the late 1980s and early 1990s that highlighted the team's aggressive driving style and mechanical reliability on the demanding "Lady in Black." Earnhardt's victories in 1987, 1989, and 1990 exemplified RCR's rise as a championship contender, with the 1990 win completing a sweep for the season and contributing to Earnhardt's intense rivalry with peers like . Ownership stability under allowed for consistent performance, though the team has not added to this count since Earnhardt's retirement. Junior Johnson & Associates tallied five Southern 500 victories, emblematic of the team's innovative approaches in NASCAR's foundational years and its role in transitioning from independent operations to structured racing entities. Wins came in 1969 with LeeRoy Yarbrough, three times with Cale Yarborough (1974, 1978, and another in the era), and Bill Elliott's 1994 triumph, marking Johnson's final win as an owner before selling the team. These successes were bolstered by Johnson's mechanical ingenuity and driver management, influencing team structures long after his active involvement. Stewart-Haas Racing has emerged as a modern force with three Southern 500 wins since its 2009 inception, demonstrating effective partnerships with Ford and strategic driver acquisitions. The victories include in 2014 and 2020, plus 's 2024 domination leading 294 laps. Gene Haas's ownership emphasized data-driven decisions, contributing to SHR's playoff advancements, though the team's 2025 closure shifted key personnel like Briscoe to other organizations. In the playoff era since 2015, has claimed multiple Southern 500 titles, including two recent wins that showcase the team's depth across its driver lineup. Victories in 2015 (), 2017 and 2021 (), 2019 (), and 2025 () reflect JGR's engineering prowess and adaptability to the 500-mile format's demands.
TeamWinsYears
121986, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2023
92000, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025
& Associates51969, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1994
Roush Fenway Racing (RFK)41993, 1999, 2005, 2006
31987, 1989, 1990
Stewart-Haas Racing32014, 2020, 2024

Manufacturers with Most Wins

Chevrolet holds the record for the most victories in the Southern 500 with 29 wins through the 2023 edition of the race. These triumphs span multiple eras, including early dominance by drivers like in the 1950s and a modern surge led by teams, with notable wins by (six total) and . Chevrolet's success underscores its historical strength at , where the egg-shaped track's challenges favor the brand's engineering in handling and speed. Ford ranks second with 18 wins as of the 2025 race, including back-to-back victories by in 2024 and 2025 driving for Stewart-Haas Racing. Earlier Ford highlights include Bill Elliott's 1985 win, which completed the Winston Million bonus. Toyota follows with eight wins since entering NASCAR's top series in 2007, primarily through Joe Gibbs Racing drivers such as (2019) and (multiple times, including 2010 and 2021). Eleven manufacturers have claimed Southern 500 victories overall, reflecting the race's evolution from the Grand National era to the modern Cup Series. Among defunct brands, Mercury secured five wins, often with in the and . (four wins) and (three wins) also contributed significantly in the mid-20th century.
ManufacturerWins (as of 2025)Notable Example
Chevrolet29, 1995
Ford18, 2025
Toyota8, 2019
Mercury5David Pearson, 1976
Oldsmobile4, 1978

References

  1. https://www.nascar.com/races/cook-out-southern-500/
  2. https://www.nascarhall.com/blog/the-first-southern-500
  3. https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/75th-anniversary/
  4. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/04/30/hope-springs-eternal-a-history-of-racing-at-darlington-in-springtime/
  5. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/memorable-moments-at-darlington-raceway/
  6. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/all-time-wins-southern-500/
  7. https://www.nascar.com/2025/cook-out-southern-500/
  8. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/watch-sundays-southern-500-cup-120000995.html
  9. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/09/03/darlington-101-tv-times-key-statistics-revised-procedures-and-more/
  10. https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/11471707/darlington-raceway-extends-southern-500-sponsorship-agreement-bojangles
  11. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/08/25/cook-out-darlington-raceway-partner-on-entitlement-for-cook-out-southern-500/
  12. https://www.sportspro.com/news/showtime_in_darlington/
  13. https://www.jayski.com/nascar-cup-series/2025-nascar-cup-series-fall-darlington-race-page/
  14. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/08/30/what-to-watch-southern-500-prestige-weighs-heavy-as-playoffs-get-underway/
  15. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nascar/news/nascar-channel-schedule-time-stream-darlington-playoff-race/03d979c6fe729df5c14510eb
  16. https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/43810372/what-nascar-crown-jewel-races-daytona-500-more
  17. https://www.nascar.com/2024/cook-out-southern-500/
  18. https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a42153975/1950-nascar-southern-500-darlington-changed-everything/
  19. https://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/prev/1693797660
  20. https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/13581280/win-darlington-learn-love-it
  21. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/darlington-demands-skill-total-focus/story?id=33546957
  22. https://www.sbnation.com/2010/5/6/1460074/the-lady-in-black-the-loss-of-the
  23. https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/the-southern-500-races-into-darlington
  24. https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a42256259/how-nascar-champ-bill-elliott-became-million-dollar-bill-in-1985/
  25. https://www.nascarhall.com/blog/this-week-in-nascar-history-september-1-6
  26. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/08/31/chase-briscoe-second-southern-500-cup-series-darlington-recap/
  27. https://www.racingcircuits.info/north-america/usa/darlington-raceway.html
  28. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/05/08/what-to-watch-full-guide-for-goodyear-400-at-darlington-raceway/
  29. https://www.wmbfnews.com/2019/05/24/nascar-gain-control-darlington-raceway-billion-merger-with-isc/
  30. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/04/04/cup-series-2025-darlington-stripe-75th-anniversary-history/
  31. https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/darlington-raceway-to-add-lights/101-384264504
  32. https://www.jayski.com/2018/01/31/darlington-planning-renovations/
  33. https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/2023/02/10/darlington-raceway-to-sell-limited-number-of-historic-seats-for-fans-to-keep-as-collectors-items-new-larger-more-comfortable-chairback-seats-installed-in-pearson-tower-prior-to-the-official-throwback/
  34. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/08/28/darlington-101-tv-times-stats-rules-package/
  35. https://www.espn.com/jayski/tracks/story/_/id/18670465/darlington-raceway
  36. https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/about-us/
  37. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2018/08/28/goodyear-tire-management-wear-darlington-raceway/
  38. https://www.jayski.com/2024/08/27/goodyear-fast-facts-darlington-11/
  39. https://www.mrn.com/2020/05/09/darlington-race-center-may-2020-nascar/
  40. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/05/05/darlington-101-history-qualifying-order-story-lines-and-more/
  41. https://www.espn.com/rpm/tracks/darlington.html
  42. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2015/09/02/darlington-southern-500-labor-day-weekend-tradition-history/71600684/
  43. https://www.thestate.com/sports/nascar-auto-racing/article33813870.html
  44. https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a43865891/how-a-minnow-pond-turned-darlington-raceway-into-a-nascar-jewel/
  45. https://www.thestate.com/news/special-reports/state-125/article49012085.html
  46. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2014/04/14/old-darlington-returns-a-little-more-each-year/
  47. https://www.ksl.com/article/51113380/darlington-honors-the-late-cale-yarborough-at-his-hometown-track-where-he-won-five-southern-500s
  48. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2004/05/14/Leagues-Governing-Bodies/Ferko-Lawsuit-Settled-As-Texas-And-Phoenix-Gain-Cup-Races/
  49. https://www.jayski.com/2003/09/04/lawsuit-to-cost-nascar-1-billion/
  50. https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2091891/one-go-jimmie-johnson-wins-last-southern-500-points-battle-tightens/
  51. https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2004/11/14/Jimmie-Johnson-wins-NASCAR-Southern-500/37541100476967/
  52. https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2004/05/13/Report-NASCAR-to-make-schedule-change/93311084497425/
  53. https://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2008/Aug/14/News/sports081408_J.shtml
  54. https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/9806924/sprint-cup-race-darlington-raceway-moved-mother-day
  55. https://www.wyff4.com/article/darlington-raceway-moves-date-for-2014-southern-500-race/7006004
  56. https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/13583201/tradition-meets-future-darlington-raceway-southern-500
  57. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2015/09/07/plenty-of-praise-for-darlingtons-throwback-weekend/
  58. https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/retro-rundown-paint-schemes-for-the-southern-500
  59. https://www.nascar.com/results/racecenter/2020/nascar-cup-series/cook-out-southern-500/
  60. https://www.jayski.com/2025/08/27/statistical-advance-analyzing-the-cook-out-southern-500-5/
  61. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/at-track-photos-darlington-labor-day-weekend-2020/
  62. https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/2023/10/04/darlington-raceway-nascar-dates-set-for-2024-season/
  63. https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/analysis-examining-changes-to-2024-nascar-cup-schedule
  64. https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/46124989/chase-briscoe-wins-southern-500-nascar-playoffs-opener
  65. https://www.jayski.com/nascar-cup-series/2024-nascar-cup-series-fall-darlington-race-page/
  66. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/02/08/nascar-driver-points-awarded-per-race/
  67. https://promo.espn.com/news/pages/story?page=NASCAR-Points-System
  68. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/08/29/playoff-pulse-darlington/
  69. https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/a65947544/darlington-delivers-disaster-for-many-cup-playoff-contenders/
  70. https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/cup/story/_/id/29827656/kevin-harvick-takes-southern-500-leaders-chase-elliott-martin-truex-jr-bump
  71. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/09/04/after-uncharacteristic-darlington-stumble-is-it-time-for-hendrick-to-panic/
  72. https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/chase-briscoe-wins-second-straight-southern-500-dominating-at-darlington-raceway
  73. https://www.nascarhall.com/blog/throwback-paint-schemes-from-the-first-throwback
  74. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2015/09/03/darlington-southern-500-retro-paint-schemes-throwback-weekend/71670972/
  75. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2019/08/27/throwback-paint-schemes-rules-twitter/
  76. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/darlington-throwback-schemes-2023-edition/
  77. https://wpde.com/news/local/nascar-darlington-raceway-throwback-weekend-drivers-race-family-friendly-activities-entertainment-april-26-2022
  78. https://www.jayski.com/2023/05/11/darlington-raceway-elevates-fan-experience-for-throwback-weekend/
  79. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/12/11/darlington-raceway-nascar-throwback-weekend-mothers-day-2021/
  80. https://wpde.com/news/local/darlington-raceway-will-host-limited-fans-in-may
  81. https://kickinthetires.net/nascar/importance-of-nascar-throwback-weekend/
  82. https://www.si.com/onsi/racing-america/news/column-growing-desire-to-shelve-nascar-throwback-weekend-is-silly
  83. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/paint-scheme-preview-2025-darlington-throwback-weekend/
  84. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2015/09/05/snapshot-darlington/
  85. https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/chase-briscoes-southern-500-win-was-the-most-dominant-darlington-victory-in-over-50-years/10755615/
  86. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/08/30/nascar-classics-races-to-watch-before-darlington-fall-race/
  87. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2023/08/17/the-75-greatest-races-in-nascar-history/
  88. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2015/08/27/terry-labonte-to-be-southern-500-grand-marshal/
  89. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/cup-series-drivers-20-year-gap-first-last-win/
  90. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/09/05/results-2021-cup-series-playoffs-darlington-raceway-race-recap/
  91. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/cup-series-2025-denny-hamlin-11-biggest-wins/
  92. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/09/02/bubba-wallace-chris-buescher-playoff-heartbreak-southern-500-darlington/
  93. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2024/09/01/martin-truex-jr-ryan-blaney-out-early-darlington-crash/
  94. https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/2025/09/01/chase-briscoe-wins-second-straight-southern-500-in-dominating-fashion/
  95. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2015/09/06/carl-edwards-rallies-for-dramatic-darlington-win/
  96. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/08/26/cup-series-jeff-gordon-darlington-success-southern-500/
  97. https://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/138036/nascar-champion-jeff-gordon-wins-winston-million-third-southern-500-in-1997-40-wins-in-40-days
  98. https://www.checkerstowreckers.com/cale-yarborough-to-serve-as-honorary-pace-car-driver-at-southern-500/
  99. https://www.nascar.com/gallery/bobby-allison-through-the-years/
  100. https://x.com/LegendsNascar/status/1963953074218713507
  101. https://www.rcrracing.com/news-media/heritage/2019/08/29/rcr50-tbt-dale-earnhardt-darlington-1990-southern-500-win/
  102. https://www.nascar.com/live-results/nascar-cup-series/cook-out-southern-500/
  103. https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/which-nascar-driver-team-wins-cook-out-southern-500-darlington-raceway
  104. https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-which-nascar-driver-team-wins-cook-out-southern-500
  105. https://www.nascar.com/results/racecenter/2024/nascar-cup-series/darlington-raceway-2/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.