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Darlington Raceway hosts 38 NASCAR teams for the 77th Southern 500

Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 8:53 PM

Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Darlington Raceway hosts 38 NASCAR teams for the 77th Southern 500

Summary

The 2026 NASCAR Cup season continues this weekend at Darlington Raceway with the 77th running of the Southern 500. This event serves as the final crown jewel of the current campaign and signals the start of The Chase. A total of 38 drivers and teams have submitted entries for the race. While this figure represents the lowest count for any crown jewel event this season, it remains consistent with recent scheduling trends. The Southern 500 has been a consistent fixture on the NASCAR Cup schedule since 1950. Teams now prepare to navigate the historic track as the postseason progression begins.

Source Links

Motorsport.com

By the Numbers

•Darlington Raceway hosts the 77th running of the Southern 500.
•A total of 38 Cup teams are entered in the event.
•The race marks the start of the 2026 edition of The Chase.
•The Southern 500 has been a Cup series event since 1950.

Latest Updates

8:53 PMMotorsport.com — Southern 500 at Darlington entry list features 38 NASCAR Cup teams

What they're saying

"
The fourth and final crown jewel in the NASCAR Cup season is this weekend, as the 2026 edition of The Chase gets underway at Darlington Raceway. This weekend, the historic track will host the 77th running of the Southern 500, which has been a part of the Cup schedule since 1950. 38 drivers are teams are entering this weekend's race, the lowest for any crown jewels this year but also comparable ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com

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