How to watch 2025 NASCAR Darlington: Cook Out Southern 500 schedule, start time, TV channel

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway for the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500, kicking off the opening round of the NASCAR Playoffs. Known as "The Track Too Tough to Tame," Darlington’s narrow grooves and abrasive surface challenge even the sport’s best drivers in this crown jewel event. Here's everything you need to know about the race, including how to watch, when to tune in, and what's at stake as the postseason begins under the lights in South Carolina.

The Cook Out Southern 500 is scheduled for Sunday, August 31st at 6 p.m. ET.

The Cook Out Southern 500 will take place at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina.

The Cook Out Southern 500 will consist of 367 laps across 501.32 miles.

The race will be broadcast live on USA Network.

The race will be available for streaming on USA Network and HBO MAX.

There are 38 drivers entered into the Cook Out Southern 500. Qualifying starts on Saturday, 8/30.