Darlington Raceway

In Sunday's Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, sixteen drivers will continue their quest for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

The final two positions on the playoff field were filled by Austin Dillon, who won the race at Daytona International Speedway last Sunday, and Ryan Blaney, who advanced through the points system.

Playoffs at Darlington

Drivers compete in the first round of the playoffs at Darlington, Kansas, and Bristol. Four drivers will reduce the playoff field to 12 after the Bristol race. The following round includes Texas, Talladega, and the Charlotte Roval, then Round 3. (Las Vegas, Homestead, and Martinsville). The remaining four drivers will compete for the championship at Phoenix Raceway following the Martinsville event.

But first, there's stern old Darlington and the first round of the playoffs.

Observe these drivers at Darlington:

follow Elliot

Points standing: first

29th in Daytona, 4th at Watkins Glen, and 5th at Richmond in the previous three races

Previously at Darlington, my best finish was fourth.

2014's Darlington Xfinity Series race saw Elliott earn one of his NASCAR career's most incredible victories. He overtook several vehicles to win spectacularly in the last laps of his maiden race at the track. Elliott, however, is still seeking his first Cup victory at Darlington.

McKinley Harvick

Points standing: ninth

the previous three events: 20th at Daytona, 12th at Watkins Glen, and a victory at Richmond

Previously at Darlington, three victories.

After winning back-to-back races at Michigan and Richmond, Harvick's enthusiasm has slightly subsided, but the playoffs are still expected to see him pose a significant danger. He has 13 consecutive top 10 finishes at the track since his last victory in 2020.

Derrick Hamlin

Points standing: sixth

the last three races: fourth at Richmond, twenty at Watkins Glen, and twenty at Daytona

Previously at Darlington, four victories

If past performance indicates, Hamlin ought to have a good postseason debut. He is the owner of the 2010–2017–2020–2021 Darlington victories. Despite being 21st during the Darlington race in May last year, he has four top-five finishes in the previous seven races.

Austin Dillon's QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Position in points: 16th

Last three races: 16th in Michigan, 17th at Watkins Glen, and a victory at Daytona

My best career result at Darlington was second in the past.

Dillon, who won for the first time this season on Sunday at Daytona, unexpectedly made the playoffs. Can he make use of the chance, then? Dillon has three top 10 finishes in the last four races at Darlington, which is better than average.

Chastain, Ross

Points standing: third

31st in Daytona, 21st at Watkins Glen, and 18th at Richmond in the previous three races

The best career result at Darlington was third.

Can the season's most popular new player perform in his opening playoff game? His highest placing in the previous six races was 18th, indicating a recent slump. He has five 15th-place or worse finishes in his six attempts at Darlington.

Robert Blaney

Points standing: seventh

15th at Daytona, 24th at Watkins Glen, and 10th at Richmond in the previous three races

Previously at Darlington, my best placing was eighth.

The only loser of the regular season on the playoff grid will be Blaney. He has now appeared in the playoffs six times in a row. In 11 races at Darlington, he has ten finishes of 13th or below.