darlington raceway
From the vision of driver Harold Brasington, “The Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough To Tame”, darlington raceway came to life on Labor Day of 1950. Harold retired from racing in 1948 and through his relationship with fellow driver Bill France, Sr. he was inspired to build a speedway in Darlington, South Carolina after witnessing the large crowds that were attending the 1948 running of the Indianapolis 500.
He came home and immediately bought 70 acres of what used to be farming land for cotton and peanuts. The track was created in a unique and distinguishable egg shaped oval ( one corner tighter, narrower and more steeply banked on the west side) in order to protect the integrity of the pond that sits on that side of the property. The east side of the property is wider, more sweeping and flat.
Today the 1.37 mile race course claims host to Nascar Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series events, as well as, USAC Silver Crown Series races. This track has become legendary for its racing authenticity and is known as a historical site for 65,000 people, which is the tracks fan capacity, to view a race.
