The September NASCAR Cup Series schedule kicks off with the “Lady in Black” at Darlington Raceway this Sunday. Here is what to watch for this weekend!
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series takes on Darlington Raceway this Sunday in race number 25 of the season. Two races remain before the start of the playoffs in two weeks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which means there is little time left for someone on the outside looking in to find a way into the playoffs.
As the sun goes down on Sunday night, the heat will go up in the Bojangles’ Southern 500. Some drivers will be able to finish strong enough to automatically lock themselves into the playoff party. Others will be pressing to keep their spots safe. Lastly, there are several drivers who know their only shot to get into the playoffs is to win either this weekend at Darlington or next weekend at Indianapolis.
Following a week off, it’s time for the Cup Series to get back on track for the 12-race stretch to end the 2018 season. Darlington is a short track with high speeds and will serve fans with a great show on Sunday. Here is what to watch for in this weekend’s running of the Bojangles’ Southern 500.
What to Watch For
Darlington Stripe
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The “Lady in Black” uses her temptation to force drivers to live on the edge and sometimes push the limits a little too far. When this happens, cars are left with a permanent reminder not to get too close or she will bite!
You’ll hear about this several time during the broadcast on NBC Sports Network this weekend. Several drivers will tell you a major bucket list item in a their careers is to earn the “Darlington Stripe” before their days are done. Hopefully this weekend’s winner is able to showcase a stripe in victory lane, which always makes for a great photo.
Did the week off cool off the big three?
In a season dominated by three drivers, a week off could be the answer to slowing down the momentum of those drivers. Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. come into Sunday’s Bojangles’ Southern 500 having won 17 out of the 24 races that have been held so far this season. All three drivers have found their way to victory lane at Darlington, but I feel that it will be one of the other drivers earning a win this weekend.
Playoff Push
As of today, the round of 16 is close to being set for the start of the Cup Series playoffs. Alex Bowman holds a 79-point advantage over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for the 16th and final spot in this year’s playoffs. It’s looking as though drivers who are currently outside of the top 16 will need to win to get in. Expect to see some off-the-wall pit strategies and maybe some nudging and bumping this weekend because of this.
Awesome Paint Schemes
Of course, I would be beside myself if I forgot to mention the fresh paint schemes this weekend at Darlington. Darlington has seemed to take on the role of being the track where many drivers do “throwback” paint schemes to honor drivers of the past or simply to try something new. Look for your favorite driver to rock a different but exciting paint scheme this weekend.
What will you be watching for this weekend at Darlington Raceway? Who do you think will be the first driver to earn a “Darlington Stripe”? Tune in to all of the action from the 2018 Bojangles’ Southern 500 on Sunday, September 2 beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network!