Overview

• The Cook Out Southern 500 starts at 6 p.m. ET on USA Network, with streaming on Peacock, HBO Max, Sling TV and Fubo.
• The race covers 367 laps on the 1.366-mile track in three stages of 70, 160 and 170 laps for 501.32 miles.
• Sixteen drivers are set for the title run after Ryan Blaney's Daytona win secured spots for Alex Bowman and Tyler Reddick on points.
• Denny Hamlin, a five-time Darlington winner, starts from pole and is widely viewed as the favorite.
• Defending Southern 500 winner Chase Briscoe arrives with Joe Gibbs Racing and elevated expectations as the Round of 16 continues at Gateway and Bristol before the cut to 12.