Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Christopher Bell wins Southern 500, moves second in Chase

9/7/2026

22 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bell Wins Southern500

Christopher Bell won the Southern 500 at Darlington with 12 laps remaining on Sept. 6, 2026.
It was Bell’s first win of 2026 and his first since Sept. 13, 2025, his 14th career Cup victory.
Bell finished second seven times this season, tying the record for most runner-up finishes in a winless Cup year.
Bell moved to second in the Chase standings, 12 points behind points leader Denny Hamlin.

Summary

NASCAR Advances Start

NASCAR moved the Southern 500 green-flag start to 5:00 p.m. ET, ten minutes early.
The change responded to a 70 percent chance of evening rain showers.
NASCAR has previously advanced Daytona, Pocono and New Hampshire races by up to an hour to avoid weather.
The Southern 500 opens the 2026 Cup Series Chase, the first of ten championship-determining events.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1950 Labor Day debut, the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway has altered dates for weather and schedule reasons. In November 2004 NASCAR shifted the race to an evening start under new lights, running 367 laps with Jimmie Johnson winning and joining the inaugural Chase. The 2026 race again moved to a 5 p.m. ET start to dodge a 70 percent rain risk, showing the series’ timing adjustments.

1 of 3

Bell Wins Southern500

Christopher Bell won the Southern 500 at Darlington with 12 laps remaining on Sept. 6, 2026.
It was Bell’s first win of 2026 and his first since Sept. 13, 2025, his 14th career Cup victory.
Bell finished second seven times this season, tying the record for most runner-up finishes in a winless Cup year.
Bell moved to second in the Chase standings, 12 points behind points leader Denny Hamlin.

1 / 3