The NASCAR Cup Series dramatically wrapped up its regular season, crowning Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron as the 2025 champion. With playoff spots locked and loaded, all eyes turn to Darlington Raceway for the Cook Out Southern 500, the first of 10 make-or-break races that will determine this year’s champion.
Darlington isn’t just another track. The egg-shaped oval has earned its reputation as one of NASCAR’s most punishing venues, where even the sport’s biggest stars can see their championship dreams crumble instantly. Add 501.32 grueling miles to that challenge, and you’ve got a race that demands everything from both driver and machine.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and NASCAR’s massive $10,447,135 purse reflects exactly what’s on the line.
How Much Money Will Drivers Fight for at Darlington?
The 76th running of the Cook Out Southern 500 carries weight far beyond its rich history. As the opening round of the 2025 playoffs, a victory here doesn’t just mean bragging rights. It guarantees advancement to the next round while delivering the lion’s share of a purse that exceeds $10 million.
Revealed on X by veteran NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, the purse for Sunday’s Cup Series race at Darlington is a staggering $10,447,135. This massive pool covers everything from driver payouts to points fund contributions, contingency bonuses, and historic merit awards.
The numbers tell the story of NASCAR’s continued growth. This year’s purse represents a 20.85% increase from 2024, when the Southern 500 carried $8,644,143. That jump reflects not just inflation but also the increasing value and prestige of playoff racing.
Purses for Darlington and Portland with all payouts, all positions and contingency awards, year-end pts fund contributions, etc; for Cup includes all charter payouts.
Cup (Darlington): $10,447,135
Xfinity (Portland): $1,651,939
Trucks (Darlington): $782,900
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 27, 2025
The financial stakes extend beyond just the Cup Series. The Xfinity Series, still battling through its regular season with Connor Zilisch leading the championship hunt, will compete for $1,651,939 at Portland. With two races remaining (Portland and Gateway) before their playoff Round of 12 field is set, every point and every dollar matters for those drivers still fighting for postseason positioning.
Meanwhile, the Truck Series adds its own layer of intensity to the weekend. The Sober or Slammer 200 will distribute $782,900 among competitors, making every position crucial in NASCAR’s developmental series.
Who Will Claim Victory at the Track Too Tough to Tame?
Entering the playoffs on equal footing, William Byron and Kyle Larson emerge as the clear favorites to capture the checkered flag and punch their ticket to the next round. The Hendrick Motorsports teammates bring different strengths to Darlington’s unique challenge.
Larson holds a slight edge over Byron thanks to additional fastest lap points accumulated throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, the former Cup Series champion faces questions about his recent form. His struggles since the ill-fated “The Double” attempt earlier this year have created doubt about whether he can rediscover his championship-caliber speed when it matters most.
Byron presents a different case entirely. Despite a disappointing showing at Daytona, he’s maintained remarkable consistency throughout 2025. That steady approach could prove invaluable at Darlington, where patience and racecraft often triumph over raw speed.
Beyond the Hendrick duo, several other contenders refuse to be overlooked. Denny Hamlin brings years of Darlington experience and playoff savvy. Joey Logano has proven his ability to elevate his performance when championships are on the line. Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott each possess the skill set needed to tame the Lady in Black.
With this much money and championship positioning at stake, Sunday’s Southern 500 promises to deliver the drama that defines playoff racing. The track may be too tough to tame, but someone will emerge victorious and significantly more prosperous when the checkered flag finally waves.
