“D” is for Darlington Raceway

  “D” is for Darlington Raceway. Darlington Raceway, often called “The Track Too Tough to Tame” and “The Lady in Black” is one of the most revered raceways on the NASCAR circuit. In 1950, contractor Harold Brasington, with the support and encouragement of several associates, constructed the high-banked, egg-shaped, 1.25 mile facility. Later, the track was redesigned to it current 1.366 mile configuration. The track hosted its first race, the Southern 500 on Labor Day 1950--in conjunction with the fledgling NASCAR Grand National Series. It was a tremendous success and for more than a half-century, the Southern 500 was one of the most prominent of NASCAR's races. The track's unique shape, coarse racing surface, and preferred racing line that runs dangerously close to the racetrack's retaining wall--make Darlington Raceway one of the most challenging tracks on the NASCAR circuit.