Race is a testament to the fans’ passion and loyalty
By Kerry Tharp, President
Darlington Raceway
We’re just a few days away from one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events — the Darlington Labor Day Race Weekend presented by the South Carolina Education Lottery — and the excitement is building to a feverish pitch in Darlington County. For the first time since 2004, Darlington Raceway is hosting two regularly scheduled NASCAR race weekends. We hosted a successful triple-header weekend this past May and once again all three national series will be competing at the Lady in Black this Saturday and Sunday. From 1960-2004, Darlington held two NASCAR race weekends on its calendar. The track lost one of its race dates following the 2004 season and for the most part, featured a race in the spring each year. When the Throwback Weekend was introduced in 2015 and the Labor Day date returned to the schedule, there was renewed enthusiasm among the Darlington faithful. However, even when one of its race dates was taken away, Darlington fans stepped up and supported the event and filled the grandstands and infield. That just goes to show you the loyalty, passion and resilience of the Darlington fan base. Without a doubt, Darlington race fans are definitely Too Tough to Tame. Our fans have been especially faithful and patient over the past 18 months. Even when the COVID protocols limited their attendance, they rolled over their tickets to this year’s events and hung in there with us. We look forward to welcoming them back in grand style in just a few days. We need our fans’ support now more than ever. Filling the grandstands and campgrounds next week is important to support Darlington’s two races on the NASCAR schedule. It’s important to the state and it’s important to this community. Having two race dates is a big boost to the South Carolina economy and tourism industry. Two race weekends at Darlington can generate close to $100 million of annual economic impact in the state, with more than $75 million of that staying right here in the Pee Dee region. NASCAR racing at Darlington is the most widely attended sporting event in the state. Fans from nearly all 50 states and more than 10 foreign countries buy tickets for our races. They stay in area hotels, eat in area restaurants, fill their vehicles up at area gas stations, and buy supplies in area stores. For the first time in its storied history, Darlington will be hosting two NASCAR playoff races on the same day. The In It To Win It 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Sunday is that series’ second playoff race. The 72nd running of the Cook Out Southern 500, which is scheduled for Sunday evening, will once again be the opening race for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Looking ahead to this weekend’s schedule, here are some highlights to mark on your calendar: · Sept. 1 – Camping Game Night – 4-6 p.m. in the Fan Midway tent. Games, trivia and door prizes. · Sept. 2 – Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K – 6:30 p.m. at the start/finish line. To register visit darlingtonraceway5k.itsyourrace.com/event. This is a terrific opportunity to honor the life of Sgt. Terrence Carraway, a long-time City of Florence police officer and Darlington native who lost his life in the line of duty on Oct. 3, 2018. · Sept. 3 – Rolling Concert in the campgrounds – 5-7 p.m. – The ever-popular recording artist Josh Brannon will be making several stops in the Darlington campgrounds to provide musical entertainment for the fans. · Sept. 4 – Live entertainment, souvenir haulers, kids zone, vendors and displays in the Fan Midway behind the front stretch grandstands. Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 NASCAR XFINITY Series race, 3:30 p.m. NASCAR Playoffs Party, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Fan Midway. Music, games, trivia and a Q&A with the NASCAR on NBC broadcast crew (free admission with a race ticket) · Sept. 5 – Live entertainment, souvenir haulers, kids zone, vendors and displays in the Fan Midway behind the front stretch grandstands. In It To Win It 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, 1:30 p.m. – Second race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs 72nd running of the Cook Out Southern 500, 6 p.m. – First race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs A reminder that your ticket to the Cook Out Southern 500 will also grant you admission to the truck series race at no extra charge. Two NASCAR races for the price of one ticket is hard to beat. Also, kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult for Saturday’s race. You can get your tickets by visiting darlingtonraceway.com or calling 866-459-7223. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at the track.