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NASCAR Southern 500 2015: Preview and prediction

By Charles Rahrig V

Jul 19, 2015; Loudon, NH, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) during the 5-Hour Energy 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 19, 2015; Loudon, NH, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (2) leads NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) during the 5-Hour Energy 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 10, 2013; Darlington, SC, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon during qualifying for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2013; Darlington, SC, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Gordon during qualifying for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

This week NASCAR heads to Darlington, South Carolina for a timely classic as the best racers fight for the win at the Bojangles’ Southern 500.

After a week off, it’s time for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to go racing again as “The Chase” is just two races away. With time running out, many drivers have a chance to clinch a spot this week before heading into Richmond for the final race before the postseason of racing begins.

This week however, it’s time for one of NASCAR’s greatest traditions. This week, is the return of a Labor Day Weekend tradition, as NASCAR heads to Darlington, South Carolina for the Bojangles’ Southern 500. This is the first time the Southern 500 has been run during Labor Day Weekend since 2002. While several big races have emerged over the years, the Southern 500 has always been one of the most classic races in the sport’s history.

For those that aren’t aware, the Southern 500 was NASCAR’s first official 500 mile race. It’s where the legends of the sport made their name, and stock car racing took off. The Southern 500 carries a big time feel to it, and it’s a race that every driver wants to have their name listed as a winner of.

As the fall draws near and summer comes to a close, will the drivers that ruled summer continue to dominate into the fall? It’s no secret that Joey Logano, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick were a cut above the rest in the summer. With the reset button being hit and everyone getting a week off, will they remain on top, or will someone else rise above?

Even more challenging, will be the drivers on the bubble and how they respond to a week off. Will they be able to get on the track and push their way into a spot in “The Chase,” or will their be some track rust?

Either way, the Southern 500 is going to answer a lot of questions this Sunday.

Race Notes:

Track: Darlington Raceway

Date/Time: Sunday, September 6, 2015 7:00 p.m. ET

TV: NBC

Laps: 367

Most Wins: Jeff Gordon (6)

Who’s hot and who’s not heading into the Southern 500?

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