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DARLINGTON RACEWAY NEWS/RUMORS

Tickets and general info: (843) 395-8499
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Tickets: tickets@darlingtonraceway.com

Mailing address:
Darlington Raceway
P.O. Box 500
Darlington, SC 29540-0500

Shipping address
Darlington Raceway
1301 Harry Byrd Hwy
Darlington, SC 29532

Track Specs: Darlington Raceway
Banking: Turns 1/2 - 25 degrees, width 79 ft; Turns 3/4 - 23 degrees, width 62 ft; Front - 3 degrees, Back - 2 degrees.
Frontstretch 1,229 ft long, 90 ft wide;
Backstretch - 1,229 ft long, 90 ft wide
Pit Road: Length: 2,025 feet, Width: 46 feet
Track Repaved in early 2008
Grandstand Seating: 68,000

Official Website:
Darlington Raceway
ESPN's NASCAR Track Guide

2008 Darlington Raceway FanGuide: download the pdf at Darlingtonraceway.com.

Old Track Name: Darlington International Raceway

What is a "Darlington stripe" Slang term for the black marks resulting from scrapes with the wall at the 1.366-mile track where the high lane is the fastest. Might be called the "SAFER stripe" this weekend after the addition of the energy-absorbing barriers

Four Race Tracks Tony Stewart has never won a Cup race at: There are four current race tracks the Cup Series runs on that #20-Tony Stewart has not won at [a Cup race]:
California 0 for 14 with a best finish of 4th in 1999 & 2001
Las Vegas 0 for 10 with a best finish of 2nd in 2000
Talladega 0 for 19 with a best finish of 2nd [6 times] in 2001,2002,2005,2006
Darlington 0 for 15 with a best finish of 4th in 2001 & 2002
Stewart has won at 18 of 23 tracks he has raced on, didn't win at Rockingham which is no longer active for Cup racing.(4-27-2008)

Southern 500 returns to Darlington: Old and new traditions will unite during the 60th season of racing at Darlington Raceway when the Southern 500 name returns to the track "Too Tough to Tame" on Mother's Day weekend in 2009, track president Chris Browning announced today. In 2009 the annual Sprint Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway is sure to be an even bigger spectacle as the race will once again be known as the Southern 500. A track rich in tradition, Darlington Raceway ran the first Southern 500 on September 4, 1950. Californian Johnny Mantz drove to victory that day after starting in the back of a 75-car field. The tradition continued for 54 years with Jimmie Johnson winning the last Southern 500 in 2004. Beginning in 2005 a new tradition began at Darlington Raceway: Saturday night racing on Mother's Day weekend. Fans have turned out in full force to see the stars of NASCAR dance with the "Lady in Black" under the lights. The event has quickly become one of the most difficult tickets to get on the NASCAR schedule and has sold out for four consecutive years. Ticket renewal orders are being accepted now for fans that purchased tickets to the Sprint Cup Series event in 2008 more info at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-14-2008)

Darlington Ticket Renewal Underway: After four consecutive sellouts tickets to the Sprint Cup Series event at Darlington Raceway are becoming some of the most coveted tickets on the NASCAR circuit. Fans that purchased tickets to the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway can begin renewing their seats now for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekend at Darlington Raceway. 2009 marks the 60th season of racing at the track "Too Tough to Tame" and customers that renew their seats before the deadline of August 18, 2008 are being offered several renewal incentives. All incentives are open to fans that purchased tickets in 2008 and wish to do so in 2009. To renew fans can go online to http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/renewals, call the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or mail in the renewal order form that they received in the mail.(Darlington Raceway PR)(7-15-2008)

No talks, but Darlington president wouldn't be opposed to date change: MORE: While the Mother's Day date has worked for Darlington Raceway, raceway president Chris Browning said he wouldn't be opposed to moving it back to Labor Day weekend if an opportunity ever came up. The track hosted the Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend from 1950-2003. The final Southern 500 was run in November of 2004. "We wouldn't be opposed to it at all," Browning said. "Nothing in the sport is ever set in stone." Browning said there haven't been any talks on the subject, but attendance in California, which got the Labor Day weekend date, has been down since the first year. There were various Internet rumors earlier this year that California might swap its date with Atlanta. And Browning said if California's date would change, he would like first crack at it. "We would hope (NASCAR) would come talk to us," he said.(Florence [SC] Morning News)(5-10-2008)
UPDATE: The romantic in Jim Hunter would love to see the Southern 500 back at his beloved Darlington Raceway. The pragmatist in NASCAR's chief spokesman is certain why it shouldn't. Seemingly ever since the Southern 500 left this country track for California Speedway on Labor Day weekend after 2004, whispers have abounded about a triumphant return to South Carolina where the race was run for 54 years. Hunter doesn't expect more changes."We could sell 55 to 58 thousand tickets here on Labor Day five years ago," Hunter said Saturday. "We moved it to California and they sell 90 or 92 (thousand) or something. From a business standpoint, that is a no-brainer."(Associated Press)(5-11-2008)

Sprint Cup race at Darlington Sold Out: For the fourth consecutive time since the race moved to Mother's Day weekend in May 2005, reserved grandstand seating for the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 is a sellout, Darlington Raceway President Chris Browning announced today. "The staff at Darlington Raceway has worked harder than ever to reach a sellout crowd for the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500," said Browning. "Four consecutive sellout crowds for the Dodge Challenger 500 shows the overwhelming support we receive from NASCAR fans in South Carolina, the United States and around the world." Race tickets have been sold in 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and the District of Columbia as well as several countries around the world. Infield admissions for Saturday's Dodge Challenger 500 are still available and can be purchased by calling 866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway PR)(5-9-2008)

Mother's Day tribute at Darlington: The mothers of the Sprint Cup drivers will join their sons during Saturday's prerace festivities at Darlington Raceway. The mothers will be introduced with their sons during driver introductions. They also will give the command for their sons to start their engines and begin the 500-mile race.(Delaware News Journal)(5-8-2008)

Tix still available at Darlington; Dilner to grand marshal hauler parade: Economic times are tough and tough times call for a trip to the track "Too Tough to Tame." Race fans looking for ways to spend their economic stimulus payments from the federal government need look no further than the Dodge Challenger 500 race weekend, May 8-10 at Darlington Raceway. Fans who wish to spend some of their stimulus money at Darlington Raceway have plenty of options:
* Tickets to the Dodge Challenger 500: Ticket prices start as low as $45 and great seats on the frontstretch are still available. Tickets to the mother of all race tracks make a great Mother's Day gift.
* Tickets to the Diamond Hill Plywood 200: Ticket prices start as low as $30 and get you admission for a full day of on-track activity. Each Friday ticket includes Sprint Cup Series practice, Sprint Cup and Nationwide qualifying and the excitement of Nationwide Series racing under the lights at Darlington - an amazing deal, all for only $30.
* Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum and NMPA Hall of Fame: Are you an old school NASCAR fan? We have got the answer for you; a trip to the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum and National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Hall of Fame. The Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum and NMPA are located just behind the Colvin grandstands at Darlington Raceway. Fans who tour the museum will be treated to some of the most legendary cars of NASCAR's yesteryear, including the Plymouth Johnny Mantz drove to victory in the first Southern 500 in 1950. Fans can see all of this and much more for only $5.40.
* Driver Gear: Still trying to get your wardrobe up-to-date with your driver's new colors for 2008? Look no further than the gift shop at Darlington Raceway. The gift shop at Darlington Raceway can help get you outfitted in the latest driver apparel for your favorite driver. Located behind the Colvin grandstand, the Darlington Raceway gift shop carries all of the latest in driver apparel, die-cast and other novelty items to help you show your support for your favorite driver.
* Darlington Stripe Zone: For fans looking for the ultimate Darlington Raceway experience look no further than the Darlington Stripe Zone. The pre-race Stripe Zone package includes: appearances by current Sprint Cup Series stars Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne, pre-race pit passes, a premium parking pass with each order, pre-race food and beverage, track souvenir, live entertainment, and additional giveaways. This package can be added to any grandstand ticket for the Dodge Challenger 500 for only $140.
AND SPEED television personality Bob Dillner will serve as Grand Marshal for the fourth annual Darlington Hauler Parade on Wednesday, May 7. Dillner is best known for his work covering NASCAR racing on various SPEED network programs including: NASCAR Victory Lane, NASCAR Live and The SPEED Report. In addition to covering racing, Dillner is also an owner/driver in various forms of Super Late Model racing, the Pro Challenge Series and Legends Car racing with drivers Zach Stroupe and his daughter Meghan. Don't miss your chance to see another incredible finish at Darlington Raceway when the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series take on the track "Too Tough to Tame" in the Dodge Challenger 500 on May 10, 2008. The racing action kicks off with the Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 on May 9th. Order your tickets now by calling 1-866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway)(5-1-2008)

Darlington National Anthem singer announced: South Carolina native and Mercury Recording artist, Julie Roberts, will perform the National Anthem prior to the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway. Roberts, the daughter of an engineer and an accountant, grew up singing country in Lancaster, S.C. Order tickets by calling 1-866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway)(4-16-2008)

Have Mom wave the green flag at Darlington: Looking for that perfect Mother's Day gift for your mom? Dodge Boys Racing has got a great suggestion for you! Simply visit www.dodgeboysracing.com and enter the Wave the Green Flag contest. Your mother (and three guests) could win an all-expense-paid travel package to the Dodge Challenger 500 Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway over Mother's Day weekend. Then, on Saturday, May 10, 2008, she could Wave the Green Flag to start the race! Simply fill out the required information-including your 100-words-or-fewer essay on why your mother should be declared the best NASCAR mom-and click on the Submit button. Or, if you're a mom and you want to enter your own name, go right ahead. But you have to hurry. Entries must be received by April 10, 2008. Visit www.dodgeboysracing.com and nominate your mom today to Wave the Green Flag at Darlington. Don't miss your chance to see another incredible finish at Darlington Raceway when the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series take on the track "Too Tough to Tame" in the Dodge Challenger 500 on May 10, 2008. The racing action kicks off with the NASCAR Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 on May 9th. Order your tickets now by calling 1-866-459-RACE(Darlington Raceway PR)(4-1-2008)

200 mph at Darlington: What a difference a paving makes: 200 miles per hour. That's how fast the Sprint Cup Series cars ran during Goodyear tire tests earlier this week at historic Darlington Raceway. That's not a miss-print. The Chevrolet of Jeff Gordon, the Ford of Greg Biffle and the Dodge of Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman were all clocked unofficially at 200 mph at the end of this old track's smooth, newly re-paved backstretch. Darlington Raceway President Chris Browning almost couldn't believe it himself. "We had some of the telemetry numbers from the teams and I couldn't believe it when they told me they were hitting 200 mph at the end of the backstretch," said Browning. "That's incredible!" Jeff Gordon, a seven-time winner on the tricky, treacherous, 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval, said the track was fast and smooth. "The old humps and bumps are gone," said Gordon. "It's still Darlington. It's just a lot smoother and a lot faster." Order tickts now by calling 1-866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-14-2008)

Paving Complete at Darlington: Paving of the racing surface at Darlington Raceway has been completed, track President Chris Browning announced today. "This begins a new chapter in the history books at Darlington Raceway," said Browning. "We are very excited to be finished with the paving so that we can now focus on preparing for the upcoming Dodge Challenger 500 race weekend, May 8-10." Paving at Darlington Raceway began in mid-January, took nearly 15,000 tons of asphalt to complete and replaced a surface that was laid in 1994. Construction crews utilized 4 million reference points around the legendary track to ensure that the transitions in the corners and banking stayed true to the track's original design. The new racing surface was part of a $10 million capital improvement project that also included an infield access tunnel large enough to accommodate car haulers, motor homes and emergency vehicles and the addition of SAFER barrier walls to interior concrete walls on the frontstretch and backstretch. "All of the upgrades that we have completed during this capital improvement project will play a vital role in the future of Darlington Raceway," said Browning. Next up at the track "Too Tough to Tame" is a Goodyear tire test on March 10 and 11. The two-day test session will be the first time race cars have been on the new pavement and will include seven-time Darlington winner, Jeff Gordon, two-time Darlington winner, Greg Biffle and 2008 Daytona 500 champion, Ryan Newman. The test will be closed to the public, but fans can logon to darlingtonraceway.com for updates. Order tickets and Colvin Grill all-you-can-eat package now by calling 1-866-459-RACE(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-5-2008)

Burton 1st driver to see new surface at Darlington: Construction crews working to repave Darlington Raceway received a visit from Sprint Cup Series driver Jeff Burton on Wednesday. Burton, driver of the #31 AT&T Mobility Richard Childress Racing entry, spent time talking with the crew working on the project and then went to work himself, driving a milling machine in turn 3. "I have never driven so slow at Darlington," joked Burton after he finished milling the asphalt in turn 3. "A project of this magnitude shows a commitment to Darlington Raceway, and that is something that race fans everywhere should be very pleased with." Burton, winner of the 50th Southern 500 (August 22, 1999), was also presented with a historic piece of the start-finish line by Darlington Raceway President, Chris Browning. Order your tickets and Colvin Grill all-you-can-eat package now by calling 1-866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway PR)(2-24-2008)

Darlington Raceway Wall under assembly: The infamous wall that has dashed so many Darlington dreams and caused countless "Darlington Stripes" began to take shape on Monday as crews re-assembled the outer SAFER barrier wall at Darlington Raceway. Paving began at the track "Too Tough to Tame" in the mid January and with the outer groove of the track complete, construction crews are now focusing on finishing the racing surface and infield access tunnel in advance of the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500. The new asphalt surface at Darlington Raceway is part of a $10 million dollar capital improvement project that began following the 2007 Dodge Avenger 500. In addition to the new racing surface, work is also underway to complete a new infield access tunnel large enough to accommodate race car haulers, motorcoaches and emergency vehicles. Order your tickets and Colvin Grill all-you-can-eat package now by calling 1-866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway PR)(2-5-2008)

New All-You-Can-Eat Ticket Package available at Darlington: Fans still in search of tickets for the May 10th Sprint Cup Series Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway can now purchase an all-you-can-eat food and beverage ticket package to the new Colvin Grill. Ticket packages start at $60 for adults and $55 for children age 12 and under and can be purchased by calling 1-866-459-RACE. Each package includes seating in the Colvin grandstand and unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, snack items and soft drinks in the Colvin Grill. Additionally, fans who have already purchased tickets for the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 or plan to purchase tickets in a grandstand other than Colvin may add the all-you-can-eat package to their existing ticket for only $15 per adult and $10 per child under 12. Each fan who takes advantage of this unique offer will receive a special wristband valid for admission to the Colvin Grill adjacent to the Colvin grandstand outside of turn 2 at Darlington Raceway. The grill will open two-hours prior to the scheduled start of the Dodge Challenger 500 on May 10th and will close at the scheduled start time of the race. Fans are encouraged to act quickly as only a limited number of Colvin Grill ticket packages are available.(Darlington Raceway PR)(1-29-2008)

Paving begins at Darlington Raceway: Engine noise could be heard coming from historic Darlington Raceway on Monday well in advance of the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500. The engine noise came not from race cars, but from construction equipment being used to lay the first of two layers of new asphalt at the track "Too Tough to Tame." The new asphalt surface at Darlington Raceway is part of a $10 million dollar capital improvement project that began following the 2007 Dodge Avenger 500. In addition to the new racing surface work is also underway to complete a new infield access tunnel large enough to accommodate race car haulers, motorcoaches and emergency vehicles. Order tickets now by calling 1-866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway PR)(1-15-2008) Conversation

Race Cars return to Darlington on Labor Day Weekend: Darlington Raceway officials announced the thundering roar of racing engines will once again resonate around the legendary 1.366-mile oval on Labor Day weekend next year with the inaugural Darlington Historic Racing Festival August 30-31, 2008. The Darlington Historic Racing Festival will feature legendary cars and drivers from a variety of racing series, including NASCAR and Indy Car, from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. The festival will offer both the young and seasoned race fan a chance to meet the drivers and see the machines that made auto racing the hugely popular sport it is today. Racing personalities who have already agreed to participate include legendary driver and car owner Junior Johnson, Daytona 500 winner Buddy Baker, three-time NASCAR Cup champion Darrell Waltrip, ten-time Darlington Raceway winner David Pearson, championship car owner Bud Moore and former driver Cotton Owens. The Darlington Historic Racing Festival will offer fans two days of excitement featuring question and answer sessions with the legends, exhibition laps by the historic race cars, autograph sessions, a large display and vendor area, car carousels, and a variety of other activities. Tickets for the event are $15 per day or $25 for the entire weekend, kids age 12 and under will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE.(Darlington Raceway PR)(12-20-2007)

Craven helping out with removing Darlington S/F line: Ricky Craven is set to visit Darlington Raceway on Wednesday, December 5th at noon to lend a hand in extracting the current start/finish line. A section of the start/finish line will be donated to the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of an exhibit which will include Craven's winning car in the 2003 Carolina Dodge Dealers 500 race, the closest finish in NASCAR history.(Darlington Raceway PR)(12-1-2007)

Darlington starts milling work on track: Construction crews at Darlington Raceway began milling the legendary track's surface last week. The milling process consists of grinding the existing asphalt surface an average of three-inches, and in some areas up to eight-inches, in preparation for the installation of the new surface. The milling process will be completed in approximately two-weeks.(Darlington Raceway PR)(11-30-2007)

Darlington starts repaving: Another historical moment took place last week on the hallowed grounds of legendary Darlington Raceway as paving crews began the intimidating challenge of repaving NASCAR's first paved superspeedway. The $10-million repaving project includes new asphalt around the entire 1.366-mile oval, concrete pit stalls and a new infield access tunnel underneath turn three. All construction will be completed in time for the Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, May 8 - 10, 2008.(Darlington Raceway PR)(11-6-2007)

Tickets for 2008 Darlington Races On-Sale Sept. 22: Darlington Raceway announced that tickets for the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 weekend scheduled for May 9-10, will go on sale Saturday, September 22. This will be the first race on the recently repaved 1.366-mile high-banked egg-shaped oval known as the track "Too Tough To Tame". The Dodge Challenger 500, which has sold-out the past three consecutive years, will get the green flag under the lights at 7:00pm/et on Saturday night May 10th. Call the Darlington Raceway Ticket Office for more information or to order at 1-866-459-7223.(Darlington Raceway PR)(9-18-2007)

Check out Darlington Paving Project: Fans can now keep up with the progress of Darlington Raceway's repaving and tunnel construction project online, thanks to a new link on the track's website featuring both photo and video galleries of the work in progress. Along with still photographs, short videos are also included on the page. The videos, in addition to giving fans a look at the actual work under way, will also feature comments from engineers involved with the project, Raceway staff members, and other special guests. To access the paving page, simply log on to www.darlingtonraceway.com and click the link in the right-hand rail. The 2008 Carolina Dodge Dealers 500 weekend at Darlington is currently scheduled to include practice and qualifying for the Busch and Cup Series on Friday, May 9, followed by the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 that evening. On Saturday night, May 10, Darlington Raceway will host Cup Series racing for the 59th consecutive year when the green flag waves to signal the start of the Carolina Dodge Dealers 500. Jeff Gordon, a seven-time winner at Darlington, is the defending champion. Seat requests are now available for all events. For tickets or more information, call toll-free at 866.459.RACE (7223).(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-6-2007)

2008 Darlington Raceway Renewal Process Currently Under Way: Renewal letters for next year's Carolina Dodge Dealers 500 weekend at Darlington Raceway were mailed on Friday, July 6. The renewal deadline is August 20. The track "Too Tough To Tame" is currently being repaved. The last time the track was repaved, in 1995, Ward Burton made fast work of the old record by posting a qualifying speed of 173.797 mph, a record that stands to this day. Fans renewing by the August 20 deadline will get the opportunity to drive paced laps on Darlington's brand-new asphalt on their choice of the following dates - March 29, April 5, or April 12, 2008. The 2008 Carolina Dodge Dealers 500 weekend is currently scheduled to include practice and qualifying for the Busch and Sprint Cup Series on Friday, May 9, followed by the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 that evening. On Saturday night, May 10, Darlington Raceway will host Cup Series racing for the 59th consecutive year when the green flag waves to signal the start of the Carolina Dodge Dealers 500. For tickets or more information, call toll-free at 866.459.RACE (7223).(Darlington Raceway PR)(7-12-2007)

Darlington repaving starts: Sometimes, it is necessary to tear down before building up. To that end, Darlington Raceway's repaving project began on June 18 with the removal of the track's SAFER barriers. Darlington's SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers were installed in February 2004 and saw their first competition during the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 weekend in March of that year. The summer solstice dawned on Darlington Raceway with a sense of déjà vu; the track's walls are currently concrete only. After completing Turns 3 and 4 earlier in the week, work on the retaining walls was finished on Wednesday afternoon, leaving the track looking rather like a special report on "The Weather Channel", featuring "hailstones the size of SAFER barriers." Scheduled completion date for the repaving project is November 30.(Darlington Speedway PR)(6-22-2007)

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