What Is 2024 Cook Out Southern 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 is a NASCAR Cup Series race held on September 1, 2024, at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, marking the 75th running of the event and serving as the first race of the 2024 playoffs.

Key Facts

The 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 took place on September 1, 2024
It was the 26th race of the 36-race 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season
Darlington Raceway hosted the event, a 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval
The race marked the opening event of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs
Kyle Larson won the 2024 edition, leading 106 laps

Overview

The 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 was a pivotal NASCAR Cup Series event held at Darlington Raceway on September 1, 2024. As the 75th running of the Southern 500, it carried significant historical weight and served as the first race in the 2024 playoffs, officially kicking off the postseason.

This race is traditionally held on Labor Day weekend and is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in stock car racing. The 2024 edition featured 368 laps around the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval, with intense competition among playoff contenders vying for early momentum.

Event date: The race occurred on Sunday, September 1, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM Eastern Time under the lights at Darlington Raceway.
Track length: Darlington Raceway is a 1.366-mile asphalt oval with 25-degree banking in the turns, known for its challenging, narrow layout.
Winner:Kyle Larson, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, claimed victory after leading 106 laps and surviving late-race cautions.
Playoff significance: The 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 was the first race in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, officially starting the Round of 16.
Historical milestone: This marked the 75th running of the Southern 500, a race first held in 1950 and traditionally held on Labor Day weekend.

How It Works

The Cook Out Southern 500 operates within the structure of the NASCAR Cup Series, combining traditional racing format with playoff implications. The 2024 edition followed a 368-lap format, with stages, pit strategies, and playoff points on the line.

Playoff Format:The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs consist of 16 drivers competing over 10 races across three rounds, with eliminations after each round. The Southern 500 is the first of three races in the Round of 16.
Stage Racing:The race is divided into three stages—Stage 1 (100 laps), Stage 2 (100 laps), and Stage 3 (168 laps). Drivers earn playoff points for winning stages.
Qualifying:Starting positions were determined by a single-car, single-lap qualifying session held on Saturday, August 31, with Christopher Bell earning pole position.
Prize Purse:The total purse was approximately $10 million, with the winner receiving around $1.1 million, including playoff bonuses and sponsor incentives.
Track Conditions:Darlington's abrasive surface causes rapid tire wear, requiring precise pit strategy and car setup, earning it the nickname "The Track Too Tough to Tame. "
Television Coverage:The race was broadcast on USA Network, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, reaching an estimated 3.2 million viewers.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 with previous notable editions of the race:

Year	Winner	Track Length	Playoff Status	Viewership (millions)
2024	Kyle Larson	1.366 miles	Playoff Opener	3.2
2023	Christopher Bell	1.366 miles	Regular Season	2.8
2020	Denny Hamlin	1.366 miles	Playoff Opener	3.5
2015	Denny Hamlin	1.366 miles	Regular Season	4.1
2000	Jeff Gordon	1.366 miles	N/A (pre-playoffs)	6.7

The Southern 500 has evolved from a standalone Labor Day tradition to a cornerstone of the NASCAR playoffs. The 2024 edition saw increased viewership compared to 2023, reflecting renewed interest in playoff drama and Darlington's unique racing challenges.

Why It Matters

The 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 holds significant implications for drivers, teams, and fans as the official start of the NASCAR postseason. Its historical prestige, combined with playoff stakes, elevates its importance beyond a typical race.

Playoff momentum: Winning the Southern 500 gives a driver automatic advancement to the next round if they maintain top-12 positioning after the next two races.
Historical legacy: The Southern 500 is one of NASCAR's original crown-jewel events, dating back to 1950 and helping establish stock car racing's national appeal.
Track difficulty: Darlington's tight, abrasive layout tests driver skill and team strategy more than most tracks, making victory here highly respected.
Marketing impact: Cook Out, a regional fast-food chain, extended its title sponsorship through 2025, boosting brand visibility through national television exposure.
Fan engagement: The Labor Day weekend race draws over 50,000 fans to Darlington, generating significant local economic impact.
Media spotlight: As the playoff opener, the race received extensive national coverage from ESPN, NBC Sports, and motorsports media outlets.

The 2024 Cook Out Southern 500 successfully bridged NASCAR's rich history with its modern playoff format, delivering drama, competition, and a memorable start to the championship chase.