The NASCAR Cup Series drivers gathered at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina on August 31, 2025, preparing for the Southern 500 race. The 1.366-mile track saw intense practice and qualifying sessions to determine the NASCAR Darlington Raceway Starting Lineup for the event.
Denny Hamlin earned the pole position with the fastest lap time of 28.694 seconds, reaching an average speed of 171.381 mph. This top qualifying performance places him at the forefront as the race approaches.
Complete Starting Lineup for the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington
The full lineup includes seasoned veterans and rising stars, all eager to compete on this iconic track. Following Hamlin, Chase Briscoe secured the second spot with a close lap time of 28.715 seconds, and Josh Berry claimed third with 28.829 seconds.
The top ten starters are:
- Denny Hamlin – 28.694 seconds
- Chase Briscoe – 28.715 seconds
- Josh Berry – 28.829 seconds
- Tyler Reddick – 28.848 seconds
- Kyle Larson – 28.925 seconds
- Ross Chastain – 28.933 seconds
- Christopher Bell – 28.962 seconds
- Bubba Wallace – 28.985 seconds
- Austin Dillon – 29.004 seconds
- Austin Cindric – 29.023 seconds
Further down the list, drivers such as William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano are positioned to challenge throughout the race. Notably, Cody Ware recorded a significantly slower time of 997 seconds, marking a sharp contrast from the competitive qualifying laps.
Notable Performances and Driver Highlights
Michael McDowell also stood out during the sessions, clocking a best lap of 29.007 seconds in a separate qualifying run. Justin Haley and Ty Gibbs followed closely behind, evidencing strong potential for the race ahead.
Bubba Wallace and Kyle Busch continue to demonstrate consistency, with Wallace qualifying eighth and Busch appearing around the mid-pack. The lineup includes a blend of experience and emerging talent, such as Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, and AJ Allmendinger, all aiming to make an impact.
Significance of the Starting Positions for the Southern 500
The Darlington Raceway starting lineup sets the stage for a highly competitive Southern 500 race, with close lap times forecasting an intense battle for positioning. Drivers like Denny Hamlin will aim to convert their strong qualifying performance into a commanding race day showing.
Given the historic and challenging nature of Darlington Raceway, these starting positions could critically influence early race strategies and track positioning. Fans and teams alike will watch closely to see how this lineup translates into race results and championship implications.
