Guide to the Darlington Raceway
Prepare for the thrill of the track and head to Darlington Raceway for a day of fun
If you’re expecting a perfect oval racetrack like one you’d find at most NASCAR race venues, you won’t find it at the Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. This unique raceway is actually egg-shaped! It’s shape also has a purpose; it was built to resemble an egg to save the landowner's fishing pond. Did drivers and fans scoff at this irregularity? Not at all. When the track opened in 1950, more than 25,000 people showed up. Make your own pilgrimage to Darlington Raceway, hear the roar of the engines and inhale the scent of burned rubber as modern-day drivers challenge the "Lady in Black."
What's in a Name
The track's nickname, "Lady in Black," comes from Darlington being the first paved track in NASCAR. It also refers to the difficulty of racing here. Darlington is a narrow track and, combined with its egg shape, is much more challenging than most race tracks. Go to a race and you'll see how the white walls along the edges of the track collect black streaks as passing car tires scrape against them. NASCAR drivers call the track "Too Tough to Tame," and also the "Widow Maker." Not surprisingly, Rusty Wallace, who drove Darlington 43 times without a single win, prefers to call it "Too Tough to Tame."
Join the Fun
Want to experience the "Lady in Black" up close? Schedules and tickets are available online or can be ordered by phone. Your tickets will be held at will call. Buy a pit pass to get down on the track for a closer look—you might even meet a driver or two. To watch the pit action from the stands, buy seats on the front stretch. Day parking is free. The racetrack is less than two miles from downtown Darlington, but most accommodations are in Florence, about 13 miles away. If you're flying in, Florence Regional Airport is the closest facility with scheduled flights. Pick up your rental car right at the terminal—you may even be tempted to get a sports car in preparation for the speed awaiting you at the racetrack.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Want to get even closer to the action? Get right out on the track for a Ride-Along in a real race car by signing up with Richard Petty Driving Experience. Imagine whizzing by the grandstand at 150 miles per hour on your three-lap adventure. Anyone 14 years and older may participate, but parents or guardians must accompany kids under 18. Rides should be reserved ahead of time through the Richard Petty Driving Experience website or by phone. Is a race enthusiast in your family having a birthday? Surprise them with a Ride-Along ticket.
Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum
For a close-up look at historic race cars, check out the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum. You'll find the 1950 Plymouth driven in the first Mountain Dew Southern 500 by Johnny Lantz—he won by 15 laps. Fast forward a few decades to see Richard Petty's 1967 Plymouth that bears his trademark number 43. Check out the 1991 Chevy Lumina that crashed at the '91 Pepsi 400. The car rolled eight times, but the driver, Darrell Waltrip, walked away from one of the worst crashes in stock car history. Wander over to the NMPA Hall of Fame in the rear of the museum to see photos and memorabilia of many of the racing world's elite drivers. If you're a racing buff or just have an innate curiosity about cars, this museum is worth a visit.
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