(Daylon Barr / Red Bull Content Pool)
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs ignite this Sunday with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, a track forever branded the “Too Tough To Tame.” As the opening round of the postseason, the Southern 500 is not just another stop on the calendar — it sets the tone for the championship battle ahead. Here are five drivers every fan should keep an eye on as the Playoffs roar to life.
1. Kyle Larson — the master of momentum
Larson enters Darlington with speed and confidence. Few drivers can handle long green-flag runs and worn tires like he can, and Darlington’s abrasive surface rewards exactly that skillset. If he avoids trouble, Larson has the potential to make a statement that reverberates throughout the Playoffs.
2. Denny Hamlin — the Darlington veteran
Hamlin has long been considered one of the best at this track, with multiple Southern 500 wins under his belt. His experience, patience, and ability to manage the tricky egg-shaped oval give him an edge few can match. For Hamlin, Darlington could be the perfect launchpad for a title run.
3. Chase Elliott — searching for redemption
Elliott enters the Playoffs with pressure mounting. A past champion, but without a Darlington victory to his name, Elliott knows a strong start here could silence critics and energize his campaign. His consistency may be his greatest weapon, but the question remains — can he finally tame Darlington?
4. William Byron — the quiet contender
Byron has quietly built one of the strongest seasons in the garage. His ability to adapt to different track types makes him dangerous in any round, and his Hendrick Motorsports equipment is more than capable. A strong Darlington finish could elevate him from underdog to serious threat.
5. Kevin Harvick — one last Southern 500?
For the veteran Harvick, this could be his final Playoff run. A former Darlington winner, he thrives in high-pressure situations and knows how to manage a race when others lose their composure. The Southern 500 could become either his farewell highlight or a reminder of how difficult Darlington can be.
The verdict
Darlington Raceway has never been kind to overconfidence. Its unforgiving walls, tire-eating pavement, and relentless rhythm test every driver, rookie or veteran. As the green flag waves, the five names above stand out, but in true Southern 500 fashion, the race may yet be decided by the unexpected.
