Darlington under the lights, the Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend, and the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are officially here. Seven Next Gen races at this track have produced seven different winners, which makes this opener one of the hardest races to predict. William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney headline the discussion, but with history on this egg-shaped track, no one feels like a lock.
Kyle Larson’s winless streak, 23XI Racing’s speed, and the wildcard factor of Shane van Gisbergen add even more intrigue. With the field this tight and playoff margins razor-thin, one mistake could ruin a season, and one breakthrough could change the championship race entirely. The Southern 500 has always delivered chaos and surprises, and this year looks no different. Which contender do you trust at Darlington, and which sleeper could shock the field? Let us know your pick to win in the comments.
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