NASCAR Moves Start Time For Southern 500 at Darlington

NASCAR has bumped up the start time of Sunday night’s Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway by 10 minutes. Due to the potential of rainy weather throughout the night, NASCAR has opted to push the green flag up to 5 p.m. ET. The green flag for the Chase opener was originally scheduled for 5:10 p.m. ET.

The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington opens the Chase for the NASCAR Cup Series. In an effort to get the full race in on its scheduled date, NASCAR has taken action by moving up the start time. Per the National Weather Service, there is a 70 percent chance of rain showers throughout the night.

NASCAR is hopeful the last-minute time change is enough to beat Mother Nature.

NASCAR bumps Darlington start time up 10 minutes

NASCAR insider Zach Sturniolo was among those who reported that NASCAR has called for a change in start time to Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500. Here is what Sturniolo wrote via X:

“NASCAR has announced a slight change in timing for this evening’s Southern 500 at Darlington, shifting events up by 10 minutes. Green flag will fly on USA Network at 5 p.m. ET as opposed to the original 5:10 p.m. slot. This race serves as the opener for The Chase.”