Around The Track: Previewing the Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington

Darlington, South Carolina, earns the nickname “Lady in Black” for a reason: its 1.3-mile, egg-shaped concrete-and-asphalt layout is worn and unpredictable, with legacy bumps and protruding walls that can punish every team. The aggressive style often means clean racing isn’t guaranteed, setting up a high-intensity Cook Out Southern 500. Recent history adds pressure for anyone chasing consistency: in the last four Southern 500s, a driver has swept every stage, though only two have gone on to win the race. Also, Darlington winners have often waited until lap 158 to lead in eight of the past 10. The Cook Out Southern 500 starts Sunday at 5 p.m.