The first race of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs occurs this weekend at Darlington Raceway for the Cook Out Southern 500.
There are 36 cars entered, meaning all will race, barring any entry list changes.
After driving Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 at Daytona International Speedway, JJ Yeley switches to its No. 15 for Darlington. Ryan Newman rejoins the team in the No. 51.
Carson Hocevar will make his second Cup start, this time driving the No. 42 for Legacy Motor Club.
Cup Darlington Entry List
The Cook Out Southern 500 will be held Sunday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. ET, with TV coverage via USA Network.
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.