Official race results: 2026 NASCAR Cup Southern 500 at Darlington
With 12 laps to go, Christopher Bell passed Kyle Larson and drove off with the victory in the 77th running of the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. It ends a winless streak that dates back to Bristol last September, and is now Bell's 14th career win as a NASCAR Cup driver. Bell crossed the finish line 1.038s clear of Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs, and 2.533s clear of 23XI Racing's Tyler…
Christopher Bell secured victory in the first Chase-opening Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday night by overtaking Kyle Larson with 18 laps remaining and holding on to the lead. This marks Bell's first win at the track since last September. Larson finished second, followed by Tyler Reddick in third place. Nine out of the top ten finishers were Chase drivers, with Ryan Blaney taking fourth place.
Larson took a calculated risk during the final caution, staying on track while others went for fresh tires, which paid off as he moved into Larson's rearview mirror. However, Chase driver Jeff Gordon could not replicate his historic feat of winning four consecutive Southern 500s from 1995-98, as he fell to 20th after a pit-road penalty.
Denny Hamlin, the top seed in NASCAR's Chase, had difficulties after getting hit from behind by Michael McDowell, resulting in extensive repairs and a 18th-place finish.
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- Bell passes defending NASCAR champion Larson to win the Southern 500 to start the Chase winnipegfreepress.com
