Get ready for one of NASCAR’s most thrilling weekends! The NASCAR Darlington schedule brings three days of heart-pounding action to South Carolina’s legendary “Lady in Black.” From Friday’s opening practice to Sunday’s prestigious Southern 500 race, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to catch every lap, qualifying session, and victory celebration.
NASCAR Race Today
Today marks another chapter in Darlington Raceway’s storied history. The NASCAR Cup Series returns to this iconic venue where drivers battle both the competition and the track’s unforgiving concrete walls.
Current race day highlights include:
- Live streaming available on NBC Sports app and Peacock
- Weather forecast showing partly cloudy skies with 15% rain chance
- NASCAR points standings could shift dramatically based on today’s results
- Key storylines focus on playoff bubble drivers fighting for position
The NASCAR playoff schedule intensifies pressure on every competitor. With the Round of 16 approaching, today’s performance directly impacts championship hopes. Darlington Raceway schedule traditionally creates unexpected outcomes – perfect conditions for dramatic point swings.
“Darlington has a way of humbling even the best drivers. It’s not just about speed here; it’s about respect for the track.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Live Coverage Details:
| Time | Event | Network | Streaming |
| 12:00 PM EST | Pre-Race Coverage | USA Network | NBC Sports App |
| 6:00 PM EST | Southern 500 race | USA Network | Peacock Premium |
| 10:30 PM EST | Post-Race Analysis | USA Network | NBC Sports App |
NASCAR Darlington On-Track Schedule, TV Schedule for the Southern 500
This weekend’s Darlington track schedule showcases NASCAR’s three premier racing series. The Cook Out Southern 500 headlines Sunday’s action, but Friday and Saturday deliver equally compelling competition through the Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Complete weekend overview:
The NASCAR Darlington schedule spans three action-packed days at the historic 1.366-mile facility. Each series brings unique challenges to Darlington’s egg-shaped layout, where the racing groove sits dangerously close to the outside wall.
Key broadcasting partners:
- USA Network handles primary Cup Series coverage
- NBC Sports provides Xfinity Series race broadcast
- FS1 covers Truck Series events
- NASCAR TV schedule includes comprehensive pre and post-race programming
Friday, August 29
Friday kicks off the Darlington race weekend with essential practice sessions and the opening race of the triple-header format.
Morning Activities (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST)
- Craftsman Truck Series practice opens the weekend
- Garage access begins for media and VIP guests
- Driver autograph sessions scheduled at Fan Zone
- Technical inspection continues throughout morning
Afternoon Programming (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST) The NASCAR Cup Series takes center stage with crucial practice time. Darlington’s abrasive surface demands careful tire management strategies, making these sessions vital for race setup.
- 1:20 PM EST: Cup Series Practice (USA Network live coverage)
- 2:45 PM EST: NASCAR Xfinity Series practice session
- 4:00 PM EST: Craftsman Truck Series qualifying rounds
Evening Schedule (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST) The Sober or Slammer 200 brings Truck Series action to primetime. This Round of 10 playoff race dramatically impacts championship contenders.
Race Details:
| Aspect | Information |
| Distance | 200 miles (147 laps) |
| Start Time | 7:30 PM EST |
| Network | FS1 |
| Streaming | FOX Sports App |
| Prize Money | $1.2 million total |
Notable storylines:
- Truck playoffs elimination scenarios
- Young drivers seeking breakthrough victories
- Veteran competitors making final championship pushes
Saturday, August 30
Saturday intensifies the NASCAR weekend schedule with qualifying sessions determining starting lineups for both remaining races.
Morning Sessions (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST)
- NASCAR Cup Series final practice (USA Network, 10:30 AM)
- Darlington qualifying preparation and setup changes
- Media interviews with championship contenders
- Fan interactive experiences throughout infield
The morning practice proves crucial. Cup Series qualifying follows immediately, setting the Southern 500 race starting grid. Darlington’s unique characteristics often surprise even seasoned veterans during these sessions.
Afternoon Qualifying (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST) Darlington track events continue with high-stakes qualifying rounds. The single-lap format creates dramatic moments as drivers push their machines to the limit.
- 1:30 PM EST: NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying (USA Network)
- 3:15 PM EST: Cup Series qualifying for Southern 500
- 4:30 PM EST: Starting lineup announcements
Evening Race Coverage (5:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST) The Pacific Office Automation 147 brings Xfinity Series competition to Darlington’s challenging surface. This Portland NASCAR connection honors the Pacific Northwest racing community.
Race Specifications:
- Distance: 147 laps (200.46 miles)
- Stage breaks: Laps 45, 90, 147
- Playoff implications: Significant for bubble drivers
- Historical note: First Portland Xfinity themed race at Darlington
“The Xfinity Series at Darlington always produces great racing. These young drivers aren’t afraid to use every inch of the track.” – Jeff Burton, NBC Sports Analyst
Sunday, August 31
Sunday delivers NASCAR’s crown jewel: the Cook Out Southern 500. This Labor Day race tradition represents one of the sport’s most prestigious victories.
Pre-Race Programming (11:00 AM – 6:00 PM EST)
- 11:00 AM: Driver chapel services
- 12:00 PM: Fan Zone activities and merchandise tents
- 2:00 PM: NASCAR Cup Series driver introductions
- 4:00 PM: Military honors and ceremonial activities
- 5:00 PM: Pre-race show begins (USA Network)
The Southern 500 race pre-race coverage showcases Darlington’s throwback theme. Teams honor NASCAR’s heritage with special paint schemes celebrating the sport’s legends.
Race Coverage (6:00 PM – 10:30 PM EST) The Darlington main event unfolds over 367 laps of intense competition. The Cup Series race typically features multiple caution periods as drivers struggle with Darlington’s demanding characteristics.
Race Format:
| Stage | Laps | Distance | Points Available |
| Stage 1 | 90 | 122.94 miles | 10 (winner) + 1-9 |
| Stage 2 | 95 | 129.77 miles | 10 (winner) + 1-9 |
| Final Stage | 182 | 248.61 miles | 40 (winner) + 35-1 |
Key racing elements:
- Darlington Stripe: Inevitable wall contact marks
- Tire falloff creates multi-groove racing
- Strategy variations based on track position
- NASCAR championship points implications
Broadcast Features:
- In-car cameras showcase driver challenges
- Real-time telemetry data
- Pit road analysis with crew chief communications
- NASCAR points standings updates throughout race
Post-Race Analysis (10:30 PM – 11:30 PM EST) Victory lane celebrations conclude the Darlington race weekend. Post-race coverage analyzes playoff picture implications and highlights standout performances.
Coverage includes:
- Winner interviews and celebration footage
- Cup Series playoffs scenario breakdowns
- Driver reaction interviews
- Season-long storyline updates
Conclusion
The NASCAR Darlington schedule delivers unmatched racing entertainment across three unforgettable days. From Friday’s Sober or Slammer 200 through Sunday’s iconic Southern 500 race, this weekend showcases why Darlington Raceway remains NASCAR’s most respected venue.
