The “Lady in Black” is on the radar of the entire NASCAR world as she will host her first regular season finale. Many drivers in the field have danced with this “too tough to tame” lady and conquered her with winning streaks. Some of the names include Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch. Hamlin is the only active driver to have won four times at this test track, his most recent victory being in 2022.

The circuit has a long history of winning big prize money due to the large crowds it attracts and the excitement that comes with it. And this time the prize money is even bigger as it is the final race. The hype is higher than ever ahead of the 25 eventful races of the 2024 season. And there is hope for more this weekend.

What can I expect for Darlington payouts?

The numbers are in and, as usual, FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass is the first to tweet. The purse for the Cup Series winners of the Cook Out Southern 500 has been increased by $383,885, bringing the total to $8,644,143. This amount includes all fund contributions, charter payouts, performance bonuses and position-based payouts.

Aside from the Cup Series prizes, the Xfinity and Truck Series winners will receive a total of $2,023,970. That brings the total prize money for Darlington Series winners in the entire NASCAR series to a remarkable $10,668,113. However, that amount is still a far cry from the payout for this year’s Daytona 500, which exceeded $28 million.

The money usually comes from the broadcasters, depending on how well it does, and a lot of it goes to the racetrack owners. Also, there’s no transparency on what the drivers are actually getting until the check actually arrives under the new charter system. But at this point, drivers, especially in the NASCAR Cup Series, are really more interested in their finishes.

This Crown Jewel race is known for favoring drivers who start up front, making Busch Light Pole qualification crucial to how the race goes. Additionally, drivers on the playoff bubble will need to have their strategies set, as Darlington has a history of not rewarding Stage 2 winners with outright victories.

Who has the best chance of winning this weekend?

Season finales are usually unpredictable, but in 2024, that’s been the case all season. Although Bubba Wallace won the finale at Daytona last year, he’s already made it clear that Darlington will be harder to win. And with only three playoff spots left for the non-winners, having a repeat winner will be a desperate hope for the bubble group when none of them have a chance at victory lane.

Martin Truex Jr. will most likely keep his spot on points alone, so the battle for two spots is basically on. As for the points leaders, Tyler Reddick will become the sixth driver to win the regular season championship. The No. 45 driver took the pole at this track earlier this season and led enough laps to defend his title lead. But Kyle Larson is well ahead at the round where he leads the standings.

If any of Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers want a chance at the lead, they’ll need some help, but HMS is also the team with the most wins (11 total) on the 1.366-mile “track too hard to tame.”

The first finale of this track will reveal each rider’s true technique and drive to make it to the postseason. May the best win.