Kaulig Racing Prepares for Cook Out Southern 500 with Local Support at Darlington

DARLINGTON, S.C. — The lights will shine bright on Sunday evening as the NASCAR Cup Series opens its Playoffs with the Cook Out Southern 500, and for Kaulig Racing, the weekend carries both competitive urgency and hometown pride.

Local Roots, Special Look

Black’s Tire Service (BTS), a family-owned company with more than 70 locations across the Carolinas, will take center stage on AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The team will run a special “Lady in Black” edition paint scheme for the 75th running of the Southern 500, spotlighting the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina. The effort ties into BTS’s annual charity golf tournament, scheduled for September 18 at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, which raises funds for the youth support organization.

For Kaulig Racing, the Southern 500 provides a chance to perform in front of BTS’s home fans while linking racing to a cause that extends far beyond the racetrack.

Ty Dillon Looks to Build on Strong Spring Run

Ty Dillon, driver of the No. 10 Grizzly Nicotine Pouches Chevrolet, returns to Darlington for his 12th Cup Series start at the 1.366-mile oval. Earlier this year, Dillon impressed by charging from a 29th-place starting position to finish 16th, scoring stage points along the way. His track record includes a 12th-place finish in 2022 and three Xfinity Series top-10s, making Darlington one of his most consistent venues.

“This is a big race for us,” Dillon said. “Darlington is one of the top two tracks on my list with Bristol. I love the old-school vibe, and I’ve always done well there. We had a good run earlier this year, and I’m confident we can build on that.”

Fans will also have a chance to meet Dillon Sunday afternoon at the Chevrolet Merchandise Hauler at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Allmendinger, Black’s Tire Return to the Lady in Black

For AJ Allmendinger, the Southern 500 represents one of the most grueling tests on the schedule — but also an opportunity. His best Cup finish at Darlington came in this event two years ago, when he placed 13th. So far in 2025, Allmendinger has logged one top-five and five top-10 finishes, building consistency as the season winds down.

“The Southern 500 is the most physically demanding race we have,” Allmendinger said. “We’ve had good speed the last couple times there, and it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. Our goal in these last 10 races is to finish strong and build momentum.”

Building Toward the Future

Kaulig Racing enters Darlington having earned one top-five, six top-10 finishes, and 89 stage points across the 2025 season. While still searching for their first Cup win at “The Lady in Black,” the team has shown steady progress — highlighted by Justin Haley’s runner-up finish in the 2022 Goodyear 400.

As the Southern 500 celebrates its 75th running, Kaulig Racing and Black’s Tire Service aim to make their mark on NASCAR’s oldest superspeedway with a performance that blends competitive grit, local pride, and a commitment to giving back.