PREVIEW - DARLINGTON RACEWAY
1301 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington, SC 29532 Tickets & general info: (843) 395-8499
"THE LADY IN BLACK" WHO IS "TOO TOUGH TO TAME"
and because she is so great they have given her another nickname:
THE MOTHER OF ALL RACE TRACKS
Or as someone called it on the petition
"TOO TOUGH TO BE LAME!"
They can call it what they want and I will call it what I want:
THE MOTHER'S DAY SOUTHERN 500 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DODGE CHARGER
Including driver's appearances, seating, stuff to do, schedule, speedway info & more.
Did you see the closest finish in NASCAR history?
It gave me goosebumps that day in the grandstands and still does...See it on you tube
Here's another claasic Darlington finish: you tube
Another cool video on you tube about my beloved Darlington
The petition to Save Darlington Raceway go here to sign now.
Darlington is a driver’s track in its purest form. Darlington is all about patience; all about driver skill. Darlington is all about the driver, separating the good from the great. Darlington is all about perseverance, for the crew chief, pit crew and driver. Darlington is all about tires, knowing when to save them and knowing when to use them. Darlington is all about racing the track not the other drivers.
Race fans see the pilgrimage to Darlington Raceway as a must. She is the Motherland. It all began at Darlington Raceway. Darlington is all about history and tradition. Football has Lambeau Field, Baseball has Fenway Park, Golf has Augusta National and NASCAR has Darlington Raceway. For 58 years, the greatest and not so greatest of our sport's drivers strapped on their helmets and have raced at Darlington Raceway.
Before there was a California Speedway, there was Darlington Raceway.
Before there was a Bristol Motor Speedway, there was Darlington Raceway.
Before there was a Daytona International Speedway, there was Darlington Raceway. And there should always be NASCAR racing at Darlington Raceway.
Other Useful Websites
Getting there
From the North and South take I-95 to the Florence/Darlington Highway 52 exit. Exit 164 Follow the signs.
From the West take I-20 to US-401 to SC-151 and follow the signs.
From Myrtle Beach take US-501 to US-76 to US-52.
As always get out those maps because there are ways to sneak into the backstretch from the north, south and west with out getting caught up in too much traffic. Better to park back there and zip out after the race.
The following five major detours will be in place:
-- Traffic on Smith Avenue, across S.C. 151 from the track, must turn right, toward Hartsville, on S.C. 151
-- No traffic on U.S. 52 Bypass will be allowed to enter S.C. 340
-- Traffic on Race Track Road must turn left, toward Florence, on Indian Branch Road
-- No traffic on U.S. 52 will be allowed to turn left onto McIver Road
-- No traffic on Rogers Road will be allowed to turn left onto S.C. 340
In addition, motorists cannot use McIver Road to travel toward the track following the race.
The traffic restrictions will be in place immediately after the race until the traffic flow returns to normal.
Several side streets will be open only to local traffic, so residents of those streets can return home after the race
PDRTA Shuttle Service
PDRTA and Darlington Raceway provide free shuttle service from Florence area hotels and from the Park and Ride lot at the Florence Civic Center. Shuttle pickup and drop-off location at the track is located beside the Credential Office on Highway 151 backstretch. For more information on shuttle service, call PDRTA at 843-665-2227.
DARLINGTON RACEWAY SEATING
The seats in Pearson Tower coming out of turn 4 are spectacular. When the track is hot and slick those boys dirt track the cars out of the turn 4. I get a whole new respect for many drivers when I sit in Pearson and see the cars sideways out of turn 4. These are the best seats on the front stretch. You can see the pits, victory lane and the whole race track. The best part of this Tower is seeing the cars slide out of turn 4. You can see the really good cars go up and barely scrape the wall if you are in the right section. They then get a great run off the turn. It is amazing that you can tell the difference between the cars who are scraping the wall to get a good run and the ones that are scraping it because they are out of control. The seats are built steep and are high to climb. We sat in Pearson for the 2004 spring race for the first time in years. They have added the seats with a back on top of the bench seating.
Colvin Grandstands on the back stretch are our favorite place to sit as long as you get up high enough. Row 15 and above you can pretty much see the whole track. We camp on the back stretch and these seats are less than 1 block from our site. Plenty of action as you watch the cars come out of turn 2 and spread out 3 & 4 wide on the back stretch before they get back in line for turn 3, which can cause melee. Also, these are the old metal individual seats with high backs. They are bigger, sturdier, roomer and not as steep as Tyler making the whole track visible and the climb is not too bad. You have more room in front of you & under your seat than you do in the 2 newer towers.
The new Brasington Grandstand are as good as the old Brasington Grandstands. We sat there for the Busch race. I didn't think I would see a view as good as the old Brasington Grandstand but I was surprised. Man it was great to see the cars diving into one and you could tell which drivers were sawing the wheel coming into 1 and you knew which ones wouldn’t get in under control by turn 2. Then sure enough they would lose it and slap the wall in turn 2. Great view of many of the pits and the battle off pit road.
They are made from grandstands relocated from Nazareth Speedway. Plastic individual seats (kinda short though) wide aisles and what great bathrooms. The women's room had over 60 stalls. The sinks were the big half rounds with the touchless nozzles...probably 10 on each sink. Bathrooms were top notch!
Wallace Grandstands are next. If we are seating in Wallace we get somewhere from the start finsh line to Pearson in turn 4 so we can see Victory Lane, the pits and pretty much the whole race track. Great view but get up as high as possible; row 15 or above. The seats in this section are like the ones in Colvin so they to are more comfortable than Tyler.
The least favorite place for me to seat is Tyler Tower. They are the highest priced and just not worth the extra cost to me. Just because a ticket cost the most doesn't make it the best seat in the house. The angle they are built is so steep you can not see the cars when they are on the front stretch right in front of you. For the highest priced seats, I want to see everything.
CONCESSIONS
Lots of concessions with the standard high prices that are at most tracks. Front stretch has more than back stretch.
RESTROOMS
When you come up the main entrance in Tyler on either side is a rest room with 52 stalls and 37 sinks in each. This is on different levels also. Not like other tracks where there might be 9 stalls on the highest level (most expensive seats) BUT 100 stalls on the ground level, 10 stories down from the high dollar seats.
Back stretch bathrooms aren't as plentiful. The plumbing on the back stretch sucks...for the fall 2004 race most toilets were not flushing by lap 20. For the first Mother's Day Southern 500 it was better. Supposedly one of the improvements is upgraded bathrooms so we will see what 2006 brings.
UPDATE: THE BACK STRETCH BATHROOMS ARE DEPLORABLE. The plumbing has not been updated since one slid down the hill in the early 80's. Bad enough the plumbing doesn't work, every race we run out of toilet paper, soap and paper towels....which I guess doesn't matter since we had no running water out of the sinks. If you have sat back there and are mad about the conditions of the bathrooms PLEASE write to Chris Browning, President of Darlington Raceway
PO Box 500, Darlington SC 29540-0500
STAFF
Most of the staff is extremely helpful. Many of them having been going to Darlington for races since they were small chillins. As with most SE tracks that are in rural areas...THE NASCAR EVENTS ARE A BIG DEAL TO THEM.
2008 DARLINGTON RACEWAY SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, May 8
-- 3 p.m.: Gates open; Nationwide Series practice
-- 4 p.m.: Sprint Cup practice
-- 5:40 p.m.: Nationwide practice
-- 7 p.m.: Sprint Cup practice
-- 8:10 p.m.: Nationwide practice
FRIDAY, May 9
-- Noon: Gates open; Sprint Cup practice
-- 3:10 p.m.: Nationwide qualifying
-- 5:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup qualifying
-- 7:30 p.m.: Nationwide Diamond Hill Plywood 200
SATURDAY, May 10
-- 2 p.m.: Grandstand and gates open
-- 7:20 p.m.: Sprint Cup Dodge Challenger 500
TICKET PRICES 2008
Darlington Raceway Announces New Colvin Grill All-You-Can-Eat Ticket Package
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 or logging onto http://www.racetickets.com. Each package includes seating in the Colvin grandstand and unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, snack items and soft drinks in the Colvin Grill. MORE
FROM MATT & TONYA WIZORCK: Darlington has special ticket prices on Friday for SC firemen. If you are from some where else, ask when you call if they will give you the same deal. Matt paid $20.00 a ticket in Pearson or the new Brasington Grandstand for the Busch race. If I worked as a policeman or EMT I would ask about a deal for me too! Navy Paul gets this deal for being in the military too.
$45.00 Colvin Rows 3-14
$70.00 Colvin Rows 15-21
$95.00 Brasington Rows 1-29
$85.00 Wallace Rows 3-15
$95.00 Tyler Rows 1-25
$95.00 Pearson Rows 1-41
Event Ticket Insurance Darlington Raceway, in partnership with World Access, now offers Event Ticket Protector Insurance to cover ticket buyers who are unable to attend events due to unforeseen circumstances. The coverage, an optional purchase
in addition to the certain ticket, will be $6.25 per ticket. Additional details are
available online at www.darlingtonraceway.com/insurance.
HOSPITALITIES
Located in the Wachovia Hospitality Village outside Turn 3, the Darlington Stripe Zone Stripe Zone admission is limited in number and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 140.00 PER PERSON Call 1-866-459-RACE price $140.00
Darlington Stripe Zone admission includes: catered hot meals and snacks in a specially designated chalet tent; a Darlington Raceway commemorative event souvenir; beverages; prizes and give aways (drivers to be announced) AS OF 05/08/08 THERE IS NO DRIVER LISTED MORE
Palmetto Pavilion
Greg Biffle and Kurt Busch will headline the driver appearance schedule in the Palmetto Pavilion, a new corporate hospitality option for race day of the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway.New for 2008, each Palmetto Pavilion package includes an eight-person table in the Palmetto Pavilion, eight premium grandstand tickets to the Dodge Challenger 500 on Saturday, May 10th, pre-race pit passes issued the day of the race, souvenir race programs, credential holders, raceway souvenir, a full meal and snacks, unlimited non-alcoholic beverage service, four drink coupons per person which can be redeemed for four beers or two glasses of wine and live entertainment. Each package is $2,600
SUITE INFO:
Legends Suites
Enjoy an excellent view of the track from these suites nestled atop the Colvin Grandstands, located on the backstretch between Turns Two and Three. Having once been the control tower of the front stretch, these private suites have been revamped to capitalize on the history and tradition that is Darlington Raceway, while providing you one of the best views of the entire facility. MORE
Carolina Place
Located in the perimeter of turn two, this private infield hospitality area is the perfect place for trackside entertainment. With a private chalet, parking, restrooms and grandstand, Carolina Place provides a comfortable area for you and your guests to enjoy a distinctive blend of NASCAR thrills and Southern charm. Carolina Place is designed for a group of 100 to 300.
For pricing, information, or reservations, please contact Darlington Raceway Marketing at (843) 395-8877. MORE
Infield Suite
Darlington Raceway's infield suites, located between turns one and two, gets you as close to the action as you can get without jumping behind the wheel yourself. From the private suite, you and your guest will have a birds-eye view of the race cars as they thunder through the turns at 150 mph. MORE
Pole Position Parking
Parking at Darlington Raceway is now as convenient as parking in your own driveway. Our reserved Pole Position parking area, located directly behind the Tyler Tower inside the gates, is available, while they last. Your Pole Position parking pass is valid May 11 through May 12. Quantities are limited. Cost for two days is $250. MORE
Parking is free on Speedway property.
More on Parking:
Like all older tracks, Darlington is in the middle of a residential area. There are tens of thousands of camping spots/parking with in walking distance to Darlington Raceway.
The back stretch private camping/parking is closer to most grandstands then most of the front stretch camping. The speedway owns a big portion of the land on the front stretch and that is where they park cars (it is also the reason they flipped-flopped the frontstretch and backstretch). Where we camp on the back stretch, it is closer to Pearson and Tyler Towers than almost all of the front stretch camping. On the back stretch there is West Smith and Blackwell Circle with camping and parking. There is also camping/parking all along Harry Byrd Hwy across from the museum.
On the front stretch on Indian Branch Road, Race Track Road (runs beside Turns 1 and 2 from Indian Brach Road all the way to Harry Byrd Highway), Sunset Drive and Tunnel Road there are people parking and camping fans in their yards.
Please beware. The front stretch goes right thru a neighbor hood that is a 2 lane road. Horrible traffic! The back stretch is on a 4 lane highway.
Locker Rental
NEW FOR 2008 Stow-n-Go’s mobile locker system ensures convenient and secure
storage while you are at the track. Each of our trailer units has 3 different sizes of
lockers to accommodate items both large and small. Our locker system allows you
to store your backpacks, collectibles, cameras, clothing, or a myriad of other trackapproved items so that you can enjoy your day at the track without having to carry those items around. There will be two trailers on-site for the event weekend, one located near Gate 10 and the other near Gate 16.
Pit Passes
The only way to get a pit pass is by buying a hospitality package....
WHAT TO DO
THE JOE WEATHERLY MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME
While you are on the back stretch go to the museum and the National Motorsports Press Association Stock Car Hall of Fame. Just some of the things you will see; Jim Reed's 1959 Chevy-Southern 500 Winner at a record setting speed of 111.836 mph, Cale Yarborough's 1980 Olds-winner of 6 races with an additional 19 top 5 and 22 top 10 finishes in one season, 1956 Ford Convertible of CurtisTurner-25 wins in one season-most in NASCAR History and David Pearson's 71 Mercury-11 wins in 18 starts. This museum is not only a history of the Darlington raceway but also a look into the early days of NASCAR. For the long time race fan it is a look at cars & memorabilia that will stir their memories. For the new fan, it is a look into the roots and history of what has made NASCAR what it is today. It has cars, of course you expect to see the 1991 Chevy Lumina that Darrell Waltrip flipped 8 times in the Pepsi 400. But you also get off the wall stuff like Fonty Flock's Bermuda shorts that he raced in.
The Weatherly Museum, NMPA Hall of Fame and Darlington Raceway gift shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Museum admission is $5 for adults, and free for kids under the age of 12.
TASTE OF DARLINGTON (YEARLY EVENT) May 6, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (Tuesday)
Darlington Raceway will once again host the Taste of Darlington, showcasing the finest, and most unique, examples of local cuisine. Grilling stations will be located around the perimeter of the Taste of Darlington tent, located in the Wachovia Hospitality Village outside Turn 3. Hours for the Taste of Darlington are 7-9 p.m. Admission is $30 per person, which includes all you can eat and an open bar. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. The event is sponsored by the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association. Tickets available at gate.
TRANSPORTER PARADE (YEARLY EVENT) May 7, 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday)
Florence Civic Center 7:30 pm - Be there to watch as the 18-wheelers that haul your favorite race cars wind their way through Florence on their way to the Darlington Square and the race weekend at The Track Too Tough to Tame. The trucks will be parked at the Civic Center and available to the public for viewing beginning at 4.00 pm. Everyone is invited to this exciting, free event.
The parade route (8:30) will wind through the heart of Florence, then follow Highway 52 into downtown Darlington, culminating in a race festival around the Public Square. The festival will include food and souvenir vendors, a car show, a racing simulator and a fireworks display. admission is free
UPDATE: Last year the transporter came down West Smith Street then turned left onto Harry Byrd Highway after the festival to get to the infield. We got to see them all with out having to leave the general track location.
FESTIVAL ON THE SQUARE (YEARLY EVENT) May 7, 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday)
Darlington Public Square. Hauler Parade ends here. Live entertainment, car show (real cool old cars). food and merchandise vendors and fireworks display.
DRIVERS APPEARANCES
Appearances are posted from a week before race day up until a few days before. Many times there isn't advanced notice, go by the souvenir haulers and look for the signs. (Go on Friday if possible)
Reed Sorenson tries to visit his souvenir trailer at the race track each weekend to sign autographs. Be sure to stop by the Target trailer and check for times.
Look for Dave Blaney to stop by the Caterpillar/Toyota Racing merchandise hauler to sign autographs this weekend. Please check with the trailer for exact times.
5/09/08
Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Trackside Live" on SPEED Channel Earnhardt Jr. will join Michael Waltrip as a guest on "Trackside Live" on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. www.catchfence.com
5/10/08
Casey Mears Kellogg's/CARQUEST souvenir trailer at Darlington Raceway Mears will greet fans and sign autographs at 4:15 p.m. local time on Saturday.www.catchfence.com
Kurt Busch Souvenir trailer at Darlington Raceway Kurt is tentatively scheduled to be at his souvenir trailer from 4:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. Please verify that time by visiting the trailer in advance and picking up the free tickets for the autograph line.
Robby Gordon is scheduled to sign autographs at the Robby Gordon Motorsports merchandise trailer at Darlington Raceway on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 4:15pm.www.jayski.com
For more appearances near Darlington Raceway Click Here
SPEED TV
At Darlington Raceway, the SPEED Stage is located behind the main grandstand (Tyler Tower.) If coming up the main entrance it is to the right near turn 1.
MYRTLE BEACH
Darlington International Raceway is near a hot spot for all ages. Myrtle Beach S.C. Golf Courses, Fast Paced Night Life, Beautiful Beaches, Shopping, Great Restaurants, tons of accommodations and more. Myrtle Beach has it all. While there go to
In a little over an hour's drive you can have a family vacation and go to the races all in the same weekend. In fact, Myrtle Beach is as close to Darlington as Los Angeles is to Fontana! What a great Mother's Day weekend. Here are some resources to help, if this is the direction you want your Darlington Race Weekend to take. These links have a wealth of info in the way of hotels, cabins, cottages, golf courses, resorts, the beaches, shopping outlets and more. Everything you need for a great vacation!
2008 Cruisin' the Coast Spring Bike Week May 9-18
Racing at Florence Motor Speedway
For more information, call (843) 346-7711 or go to www.florencemotorspeedway.com
Racing at Darlington Dragway
For more information, call (843) 383-0008. http://www.darlingtondragway.com
OTHER SPEEDWAY INFO
Locker Rental
NEW FOR 2008 Stow-n-Go’s mobile locker system ensures convenient and secure
storage while you are at the track. Each of our trailer units has 3 different sizes of
lockers to accommodate items both large and small. Our locker system allows you
to store your backpacks, collectibles, cameras, clothing, or a myriad of other trackapproved items so that you can enjoy your day at the track without having to carry those items around. There will be two trailers on-site for the event weekend, one located near Gate 10 and the other near Gate 16.
TRAMS 2008
Tram service runs from the back stretch to the front stretch. Stops at Hospitalities, outside of turn 3 at Gate 6. Boarding location for trams is located at Gate 6, behind the Turn 3 security building, west end of Tyler Tower, and near Gate 16. This free service operates on Thursday and Friday, providing transportation to the frontstretch area. The museum is closest to Gate 6.
Will Call 2008
Will Call pickup for paid tickets is located in the Frontstretch Ticket Booth for Tyler, Wallace and Pearson ticket holders and in the Main Ticket Office at Gate 3(next to museum) for Colvin ticket holders.
Lost and Found
Located at the Main Security Building at Gate 6 (Turn 3 Crossover).
Information Centers 2008
• Gate 3 (Backstretch/Main Ticket Office)
• Gate 6 (Security Office/Outside Turn 3)
• Gate 10 (Outside Turn 4/Pearson Tower)
• Gate 16 (Frontstretch Display Plaza/Souvenir Area)
• Petty Blvd. (Main Parking Walkway/Upper Display Plaza)
ATMs
ATM machines are located near the museum, display area, souvenir row, and infield restrooms.
Medical First Aid 2008
Located in various parts of the concourse area.
Colvin Grandstand - on the concourse at Section J.
Wallace/Tyler Tower - on the concourse at Section I.
Pearson Tower - on the concourse at Section D.
Brasington Tower - on the concourse. Section to be determined.
Infield Care Center - near President’s Suite. Can be accessed from the west end
of the backstretch pit road or infield.
Motorcycle Parking 2008
Motorcycles can park on the cement pad located on Highway 151 at Gate 1 (next to
the Warehouse). Space is limited.
Disabled Assistance
Ticketing• Accessible seating is available. Please contact our ticket office for ordering information.
UPDATE: Real good seats at the top of Wallace Grandstand underneath Tyler....
Parking• ADA/Handicapped parking is available in each parking lot. An authorized state issued vehicle license or windshield tag is required. The person to whom it was issued must be present in the vehicle.
Transportation/Trams• On Friday, trams depart from Gate 6 on the backstretch, providing transportation to the frontstretch. The museum is a short walk from Gate 6.
Disabilities Assistance Carts Darlington Raceway has instituted a fleet of disabilities assistance golf carts to assist our guests with disabilities with transportation within the immediate Raceway property. Operated by our ushers, this fleet may be accessed by contacting one of our carts operating from:
Pre-race dedicated pick-up points at:
• Information Center locations listed above.
• Handicapped parking lots adjacent to the track.
Post-race dedicated pick-up points at the above plus:
• East End of Tyler Tower, Beneath Section A Sign
• Ground Level of the Pearson Tower at the Elevator
• Bottom of ramp in Colvin Grandstand
• Bottom of ramp in Brasington Grandstand
Please be advised that delays may occur during volume times immediately before and after the race. Transports will occur in the order of the guests’ arrival. This is a FREE service courtesy of Darlington Raceway. (No tipping of drivers is permitted.)
WHAT YOU CAN BRING INTO THE GRANDSTANDS
1. One clear plastic bag no larger than 18 x 18 x 4 inches such as those used to accommodate samples received and purchases made after fans have parked their cars. Clear plastic bags may not contain ice. Each fan is allowed to bring in one soft-sided bag and one clear bag, totaling two bags per fan.
2. One soft-sided bag no larger than 6 x 6 x 12 inches. Soft-sided bags include insulated coolers, scanner bags, fanny packs, purses, diaper bags, binocular cases, etc. Soft-sided bags may contain ice. While coolers are allowed in the grandstand areas, they are not permitted in the Wachovia Hospitality Village.
3. Cell phones or scanners clipped to the belt.
4. If you have been issued a credential, it should be worn in a visible location and must be accompanied by a photo ID.5. Binoculars, cameras, headsets, etc. worn separately (without a bag) around the neck or belt are also allowed. Seat cushion bags with compartments will be reviewed on an individual basis. Fans are asked to please be aware that all items brought through grandstand gates are subject to inspection.
