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Darlington Today
By the People, for the People
Lineup set for Darlington NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race
Kyle Larson wins pole, Hendrick Motorsports shuffles driver lineup with Alex Bowman's absence
Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:54pm
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The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series is heading to Darlington Raceway this weekend for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200. Qualifying has set the starting lineup, with Kyle Larson securing the pole position. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports has announced changes to their driver lineup as Alex Bowman continues to recover from vertigo, with Justin Allgaier filling in for Bowman in the NASCAR Cup Series and Kyle Larson substituting for Bowman in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race.
Why it matters
The Darlington race is an important event on the NASCAR calendar, and the starting lineup and driver changes will impact the competitive dynamics and storylines heading into the weekend. Bowman's absence due to health issues also raises questions about his recovery timeline and Hendrick's plans to manage the situation.
The details
Kyle Larson claimed the pole position for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway. The rest of the starting lineup includes Christopher Bell, Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Parker Retzlaff, Sam Mayer, and William Sawalich. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Alex Bowman will miss at least three more races in the NASCAR Cup Series as he continues to recover from vertigo. Bowman was also set to race in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series event at Darlington, but Kyle Larson will substitute for him in that race. Justin Allgaier will also fill in for Bowman in the Cup Series for the next three races.
- The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Darlington Raceway is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2026.
- Qualifying for the race took place earlier this week, setting the starting lineup.
The players
Kyle Larson
NASCAR driver who won the pole position for the Darlington race.
Alex Bowman
NASCAR driver for Hendrick Motorsports who is currently sidelined due to vertigo and will miss at least three more races.
Justin Allgaier
NASCAR driver who will fill in for Alex Bowman in the NASCAR Cup Series for the next three races.
Hendrick Motorsports
The NASCAR team that fields cars for Alex Bowman, Justin Allgaier, and other drivers.
JR Motorsports
The NASCAR team that will field a car for Kyle Larson in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Darlington, substituting for the absent Alex Bowman.
What they’re saying
“We continue to wish Alex a speedy recovery as Kyle Larson will substitute in the No. 88 Chevrolet this weekend at Darlington.”
— JR Motorsports
“We also wish Justin (Allgaier) the best of luck behind the wheel of the No. 48, we will be watching.”
— JR Motorsports
What’s next
Hendrick Motorsports will continue to monitor Alex Bowman's recovery timeline and determine if he will be able to return to competition in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
The Darlington NASCAR race weekend will feature a mix of familiar faces and new substitutions as teams navigate Alex Bowman's absence due to health issues. The starting lineup and driver changes add an extra layer of intrigue to the on-track action.
