If you are a NASCAR fan looking for an unforgettable racing experience, Darlington Raceway is the place to be. This historic circuit has been thrilling fans and participants for decades, and it is easy to see why it is so popular.
Darlington Raceway is one of the most amazing and oldest racing circuits in the USA. The track is located in Darlington, South Carolina, and it is safe to say that the southern culture is embedded in the very fabric of this storied circuit.
Many NASCAR fans believe their love for the sport is not complete without Darlington Raceway. With its challenging curves and high-speed straights, Darlington Raceway offers a unique and exciting challenge for drivers of all levels.
[divilifeshortcode id='2524']
This article will discuss everything to know about Darlington Raceway. From its historical significance to the modern-day Darlington experience. So, whether you are a Nascar fan looking for a new race track to explore or a tourist visiting South Carolina, read on and learn all about Darlington Raceway.
History Of Darlington Raceway
No guide about Darlington Raceway is complete without discussing its rich history. Darlington Raceway opened in 1950, making it one of the oldest racing circuits in the USA. The Race track was built by Harold Brasington, a former stock car racing enthusiast and driver who saw the need for a facility where drivers could test their skills and abilities.
Harold Brasington’s vision for Darlington Raceway started when he returned from the 1933 Indianapolis 500. After watching the events, Brasington was impressed with the competition level and decided he could bring a superspeedway to rural South Carolina. Darlington Raceway started as a joke between Harold Brasington and his friends but quickly became a reality when he purchased an old cotton field.
The Darlington Raceway circuit was originally envisioned as an oval standard, but due to a fish pond adjacent to the cotton field, it was modified to create a corner tighter and narrower than the other, which took up less space and moved it further away from the fish pond.
The construction officially started in 1949 and was completed in time for the 1950 Darlington 500. The Darlington 500 was an instant success, accommodating over 75 drivers who took part and a crowd of up to 25,000 for race day. This was more than double the expected number, overwhelming the grandstands and crowding the interior of the race track.
Darlington Raceway has undergone many changes but remains one of the most iconic and challenging circuits in NASCAR today. At the end of 1952, the Darlington Raceway was reconstructed with steeper banking in turns three and four to increase the circuit’s speed. The reconstructed circuit was remeasured under a new system, which increased the track length from the banking rather than the apron, leading to a new official lap length of 1.366 miles.
In 1960, a tragic accident occurred at Darlington Raceway when driver Jimmy Thompson lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the crowd, killing two spectators. This tragedy led to Darlington Raceway being the first superspeedway to install a catch fence to protect spectators from wayward vehicles.
In the 1970s, Darlington Raceway underwent another significant change when it was reconfigured to become a 1.375-mile oval. The Darlington Raceway was once again remeasured under the new system, resulting in an official lap length of 1.366 miles. The 1980 era also brought another significant improvement when International Speedway Corporation bought the rather worn-down facility in 1982. The company spent over $5 million on improvements, including a new concrete racing surface, new high-tech lighting, and an increase in the length of the front stretch.
In 1997, Darlington Raceway celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special race and introduced the start/finish switch to the back straight, thereby creating a larger main grandstand. The Darlington Raceway has undergone numerous changes over the years, such as lighting for night racing, but its unique configuration and challenges remain today. The Darlington Raceway is truly a one-of-a-kind circuit that every NASCAR fan should experience.
Looking for destinations to camp this fall? Check out Lake Ashley Park
Facts To Know About Darlington Raceway
Now that we have looked at Darlington Raceway’s history, let’s explore some things you should know about this iconic circuit.
Numerous Nicknames
Darlington Raceway has earned numerous nicknames over the years due to its unique configuration and challenges. The most common nickname is “The Lady in Black,” which was named because of the asphalt that lined the track. The Darlington circuit was one of the first to be paved with asphalt, which made it much faster than its dirt counterparts. Darlington Raceway has also been nicknamed “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” “The Monster Mile,” and “Darlington Stripe.”
Toughest NASCAR Track
The Darlington Raceway is often referred to as one of the toughest tracks on the Nascar circuit. The Darlington circuit is unique because it is egg-shaped with two distinct corners. The Darlington circuit is also much narrower than most modern tracks, which makes it more challenging to navigate. The Darlington Raceway is also notoriously treacherous, claiming the lives of several fans over the years.
Oldest NASCAR Track
Darlington Raceway is not only one of the toughest tracks on the Nascar circuit but also the oldest. Darlington Raceway was built in 1950 and had been hosting Nascar races ever since. Darlington Raceway is also one of the most iconic tracks in Nascar, having hosted some of the most memorable moments in Nascar history.
Also, with only one hotel in Darlington during the early years, NASCAR fans often came the night before and slept on car bonnets around the town square. Some Darlington homes also accommodated fans by setting up makeshift beds in front rooms.
What Darlington Circuit Offers Today
Darlington Raceway offers a unique and challenging racing experience that is unlike any other track on the NASCAR circuit. Darlington Raceway is one of the most iconic tracks in Nascar and is a must-visit for any NASCAR fan. Darlington Raceway also offers various amenities for race fans, including:
Museum
Darlington Raceway offers a museum that chronicles the history of the Darlington circuit and Nascar. The Darlington Raceway Museum is a great way to learn about the rich history of this iconic track. Darlington Raceway Museum’s admission is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for military members, and free for kids under the age of 12.
Fan Zone
Darlington Raceway offers a fan zone where fans can interact with their favorite drivers and get up close to the action. The Darlington Raceway fan zone is a great way to experience the Darlington circuit.
GEICO Campground
Darlington Raceway offers RV and tent camping for fans who want to experience the Darlington circuit. The GEICO campground provides a great way to experience the Darlington Raceway, which holds several Darlington Race Weekends.
Events At Darlington Raceway
Darlington Raceway hosts several events throughout the year, including:
Spring NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race
Darlington Raceway hosts the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race in the spring. The Darlington circuit is one of the most challenging tracks on the Nascar circuit and offers a unique racing experience.
Spring NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
Darlington Raceway also hosts the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race in the spring. This is a different racing series than the Craftsman Truck Series and offers a different racing experience.
Spring NASCAR Cup Series Race
Darlington Raceway also hosts the NASCAR Cup Series Race in the spring. The spring racing event is one of the most popular races on the Darlington circuit and is a must-see for any Nascar fan.
Fall NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
This happens at Darlington Raceway in the fall, and it is one of the most popular races on the Darlington circuit. This is a different racing series than the Craftsman Truck Series and offers a different racing experience.
Directions to Darlington Raceway
The Darlington Raceway is located in Darlington, South Carolina. Darlington is located off I-95, about halfway between Charlotte (around 80 miles to the southeast) and (99 miles northeast) Myrtle Beach. Darlington Raceway’s address is 1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, SC 29532, USA.
Darlington circuit is located in rural South Carolina, so expect to drive a reasonable distance to get there. The direction by road from:
- I-20: Take exit 131 and head east on Route toward Darlington. Turn quickly to the left onto Route 52 just before the city, then take the exit onto Highway 151-34. Shortly up this road to the left is where the track may be found.
- I-95: Take Highway 52 to Darlington. At Darlington, take an exit onto Highway 151-34. The track is a short distance along this road to the left.
Darlington Raceway is easy to find, thanks to its large Darlington Raceway sign. Darlington Raceway is also located near several hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient place to stay and eat while visiting the Darlington circuit.
Looking for destinations to camp this fall? Check out Hideaway RV Resort!
Are You Visiting Darlington Raceway?
Darlington Raceway is a must-visit for any NASCAR fan and is located in Darlington, South Carolina. Darlington Raceway also offers several amenities for race fans, including a museum, fan zone, GEICO campground, and several events throughout the year.
If you are planning to camp at Darlington Raceway, Cozy Turtle offers RV Rentals for fans who want to experience the Darlington circuit. And delivery to this circuit costs just $150! Kindly contact us to learn more about our RV camping packages.
