Christopher Bell won Sunday’s (Sept. 6) Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, earning his first win of 2026 in crown jewel style.
After the caution and then a red flag came out with 32 laps to go for rain, Kyle Larson stayed out on old tires while many drivers on the lead lap pitted. On a tire disadvantage, Larson was passed for the lead by Bell, who was on fresher rubber, with 12 laps left.
Bell held on to snap a 33-race winless streak despite the best efforts of Ty Gibbs.
“It’s been too damn long,” Bell said on the USA Network telecast. “We’re still in it, baby!”
Gibbs, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Larson, Chase Briscoe, Josh Berry, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano and Ryan Preece rounded out the top 10 finishers.
The win vaulted Bell to second in the standings, only 12 points behind leader Denny Hamlin, who finished 18th.
Hamlin got damage on lap 240 after contact with Michael McDowell, which led to the No. 11 dropping through the field like a rock. Hamlin reported that both of his toe links were damaged.
Another big domino in the Chase for the championship was a spin from William Byron from ninth on lap 316. Byron got loose going into turn 3, but it was revealed moments later that the engine had blown up on the No. 24. Byron finished 37th.
NASCAR Southern 500 Results From Darlington
The Cup Series Chase will continue at Gateway on Sept. 13 with the Enjoy Illinois 300. The green flag will fly shortly after 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.
A member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA), Samuel also covers NASCAR for Yardbarker, Field Level Media, and Heavy Sports. He will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall of 2025.
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