The Chase Begins at the Lady in Black

Mar 22, 2026; Darlington, South Carolina, USA; Team Penske Joey Logano (22) and Haas Factory Team Cole Custer (41) drive in the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn ImagesAfter 26 races, NASCAR’s Cup Series championship fight officially begins with 500 miles at one of the most unforgiving tracks on the schedule.There are certainly easier places NASCAR could have chosen to start a championship fight, but the 2026 Chase opens with the Southern 500 at Darli