NASCAR is finally set to kick off the first playoff race this weekend. The venue for this race will be the Darlington Raceway for the Cook Out Southern 500. This isn’t the first time that the drivers have raced at the venue this season, having raced there in May.
However, this is the first time this year that the drivers are racing there in a playoff capacity. Of course, this is not limited to the Cup Series, but includes the Xfinity and Truck Series drivers as well.
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The Southern 500 race weekend kicks off on Friday where everyone sets up shop. However, the real action begins on Saturday, starting with the NASCAR Xfinity race at 12:30 pm local time.
Who will emerge victorious at the Darlington Raceway?
Austin Cindric will be keen to maintain his advantage in the playoff standings. However, Chase Briscoe and Ross Chastain will be hot on his heels.
Other major contenders are Noah Gragson, Justin Haley, Harrison Burton, Justin Allgaier, Michael Annett, Brandon Jones, and Riley Herbst filling out the Top-10. The remaining six contenders are Ryan Sieg, Brandon Brown, Jeremy Clements, Myatt Snider, Josh Williams, and Jesse Little.
On Sunday, the whole rigmarole starts again, this time with the Truck Series drivers at 2:00 pm. Austin Hill comes into the race weekend with a giant target on his back, with Zane Smith and Brett Moffitt taking aim. Ben Rhodes and Sheldon Creed will also be eager to make an impression in the first playoff weekend.
Other drivers in the playoffs are Christian Eckes, Matt Crafton, Grant Enfinger, Tyler Ankrum, and Todd Gilliland. Just outside the Top-10 are Derek Kraus, Tanner Gray, Raphael Lessard, Stewart Friesen, Johnny Sauter, and Ty Majeski.
Finally, the Cup Series race closes the show at 6:00 pm, with Kevin Harvick leading the pack. However, the pole-sitter for the race is Chase Elliott, who will be eager to bolster his chances of a win.
However, he will not have it easy, as Harvick has the momentum, and the likes of Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr are also very quick.
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