Qualifying Results

It's the 40th anniversary of Mert Socks' final career victory at Darlington in 1983. His predecessor of domination Ryan Heuser comes in second in points to begin the chase, failing to finish inside the top-20 in his last four Southern 500 attempts. He has never won the 500-mile event here, a race Scott Jackson has stolen from him numerous times over the years. Fortunately, the #138 comes in leading 201 laps in the spring event, delegating Jackson to a third place finish while taking away Logan Sheets's first career victory. Matt Raboin won this event last season, looking to capitalize again after making his first chase in over a half-decade of wins and spins. This could be the year for the #87 to take Valvoline to the promiseland, just like the great Buddy Rakestraw.It's the 40th anniversary of Mert Socks' final career victory at Darlington in 1983. His predecessor of domination Ryan Heuser comes in second in points to begin the chase, failing to finish inside the top-20 in his last four Southern 500 attempts. He has never won the 500-mile event here, a race Scott Jackson has stolen from him numerous times over the years. Fortunately, the #138 comes in leading 201 laps in the spring event, delegating Jackson to a third place finish while taking away Logan Sheets's first career victory. Matt Raboin won this event last season, looking to capitalize again after making his first chase in over a half-decade of wins and spins. This could be the year for the #87 to take Valvoline to the promiseland, just like the great Buddy Rakestraw.

Solomon-Tark Motorsports fields both of their entries for the 2023 Southern 500, qualifying the #57 and #59 into the show. Neither Steve Inkman or Tony Gunk have Extravaganza race experience at a non restrictor-plate track, but are both honored to be in the race at competitive speed. "This is our chance to make it to the big time. My mother made a soufflé before qualifying and boy did it pay off! I used the excess grease to ripen my steering wheel." Fans are eagerly awaiting a top-40 finish for the duo!

Points Standings (After 26 of 36 Events)
1. Tim McDonnell: -
2. Ryan Heuser: -5
3. John Battista: -10
4. Zach Michael: -15
5. Tony Pizzaro: -20
6. Rick Jackson: -25
7. Zakk Miller: -30
8. Matt Raboin: -35
9. Ken Pettit: -40 (+2)
10. Alex Crapser: -45

Friday, September 1st, 4:00 ET