EAST LANSING, MI. — For the first of two visits this year to historic Darlington Raceway, the NASCAR Cup Series rolled out its new higher‑horsepower, lower‑downforce package at the track too tough to tame. 

Darlington is one of the hardest tracks on the calendar. The 1.37‑mile, egg‑shaped oval is different at each end. With the fast, sweeping Turn 1 leading into the tight exit of Turn 2. Drivers then have to change their approach in Turns 3 and 4, where the corner is tighter, less banked and far more technical. While speed can be found in multiple grooves, Darlington rewards the few who run just inches from the outside wall. 

Tributes to “The Biff” and other NASCAR legends 

NASCAR officially ended throwback weekend, but the tradition remains strong. Months after the passing of future NASCAR Hall of Famer Greg Biffle, the shockwaves are still felt through the racing community. This weekend brought the perfect tribute, as all three RFK Racing cars carried Biffle throwbacks and at one point ran first, second and third. 

Front Row Motorsports added to the nostalgia with schemes honoring Elliott Sadler and Bill Elliott. The historic STP blue returned as Erik Jones threw it back to Wally Dallenbach Jr.. Carson Hocevar, often compared to a young Dale Earnhardt Sr., leaned into the look with the iconic 1981 Wrangler scheme. 

Stage 1: Reddick leads but finds an issue 

Tyler Reddick qualified on the pole next to his 23XI teammate Bubba Wallace. He led comfortably through the first cycle of green flag pit stops, but a slow stop and a developing electrical issue began to affect his run midway through the stage. With new cars up at the front, Michigan driver Brad Keselowski led in the closing laps of Stage 1, collecting the stage win and establishing himself as one of the strongest cars on track.  

Stage 1 results:  

1. Brad Keselowski 
2. Tyler Reddick 
3. Ryan Blaney 
4. Bubba Wallace 
5. Kyle Larson 
6. Chris Buescher 
7. Chase Elliott 
8. Austin Cindric 
9. Daniel Suarez 
10. William Byron 

Stage 2: RFK rises to the front 

The high tire wear at Darlington keeps pit road busy, and the end of Stage 1 was no exception. Tyler Reddick’s team had to check the alternator belt and change the battery while working to keep him on the lead lap and in a strong position for Stage 2.  

Kyle Larson led the early part of Stage 2, but the first caution for cause came on Lap 112 when Denny Hamlin got into the back of Erik Jones and then into Bubba Wallace. With that contact, Wallace suffered significant damage, marking the beginning of the end of his day. 

After the restart, the race settled into a long green flag run. As Larson’s performance began to fall off, the RFK Fords of Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece moved to the front and set the pace. The final laps of Stage 2 ended with teammates battling for the lead, and Keselowski held on for the Stage 2 win over Buescher. 

Stage 2 results:  

1. Brad Keselowski  
2. Chris Buescher 
3. Kyle Larson 
4. Chase Briscoe 
5. Tyler Reddick 
6. Ryan Preece 
7. William Byron 
8. Austin Cindric 
9. Ty Gibbs 
10. Daniel Suarez 

Final Stage: Keselowski vs. Reddick 

Chase Briscoe took the lead after the restart with 100 laps to go, but a caution a couple laps into the stage for a spinning Riley Herbst mixed things up. Different pit strategies jumbled up the front of the field for the final restart. Six cars stayed out on old tires, cycling to the lead. The field got spread out, and after the final green flag pit stop, we saw the battle growing between Keselowski and Reddick. With 27 laps to go, Tyler Reddick drove to the lead and the eventual checkered flag. Collecting his 4th win in 6 races, Reddick and 23XI continue to write their history books, breaking many records in the process. Carson Hocevar had a notable day, finishing 4th after having to start the race in the rear.  

Top 10 final results:  

1. Tyler Reddick 
2. Brad Keselowski  
3. Ryan Blaney 
4. Carson Hocevar 
5. Austin Cindric 
6. Ty Gibbs 
7. Daniel Suarez 
8. William Byron 
9. Chris Buescher 
10. Erik Jones