Darlington under tropical storm warning ahead of Cook Out Southern 500 playoff race

Some harrowing news is coming out of Darlington, South Carolina, where the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs are slated to begin on Sunday.

According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Darlington Raceway, the site of Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500, is currently dealing with some intense weather, including being under a tropical storm warning at the moment.

“Darlington is now under a tropical storm warning,” tweeted Pockrass. “That means tropical storm winds (39-57mph winds expected within 36 hours). The forecast for Darlington is gusts up to 40mph. 4-8 inches of rain.”

While the weather is supposed to clear up, as The Weather Channel is projecting sunny skies for Labor Day Weekend, it’s still concerning to hear what’s happening at the track at the moment. Many pre-race festivities leading up to Sunday’s race could be in jeopardy, not to mention potential damage to the track.

Alas, NASCAR fans around American will be hoping for the best for Darlington, and anyone affected by the tropical storm as a whole. Hopefully we’re able to go racing safely, and without any weather worries this weekend.

NASCAR Playoffs odds, favorites to win the Bill France Cup

When Round One of the NASCAR Playoffs does get started, the odds have a clear favorite for the Bill France Cup. Points have been reset, the playoff standings are set, and we are ready for postseason racing. 

Heading into the Southern 500, we also have a reset on the NASCAR Playoffs odds. Of course, everyone has their own favorite. However, Las Vegas has laid down the lines and there are a few drivers with a better shot at this championship than others. 

Before Round One gets underway, it is almost a rundown of the playoff standings. With the regular season championship and the 15 bonus points secured, Martin Truex Jr. is the favorite to win the Bill France Cup at 17-4. He opened up the season at 14-1 odds, for reference. 

William Byron follows at 5-1 odds. Then Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin at 6-1 odds. Kyle Busch is listed at 8-1 odds to round out the top-5 in the odds. 

Other notes from the opening championship odds, Championship Four drivers Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain are listed at 12-1 and 16-1 odds, respectively. Defending champion Joey Logano is also listed at 16-1. 

Michael McDowell and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have the worst odds of the 16 NASCAR playoff drivers. Both drivers are listed at 150-1 odds heading into week one.

On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this article.