For over 65 years The Darlington Raceway has been one of NASCAR's landmarks since 1950. NASCAR has called the egg shaped oval a home and has had numerous jaw dropping finishes, knock out drag out fights and every thing in between. Everyone from Johnny Mantz to Kevin Harvick to Regan Smith have tamed the track to tough to tame.
Jaw Dropping Finishes in 2003
In 2003 back when NASCAR ran the triple at the lady in black three finishes left fans in awe. Bobby Hamilton Sr., Todd Bodine and Ricky Craven were the three standouts who were able to tame the lady in black. Bobby Hamilton Sr.defeated Ted Musgrave by just .139 seconds in the Craftsman 200. The Next day Todd Bodine defeated Jamie McMurry in what was called the NASCAR Busch Series by .309 seconds after both made contact and crossed the finish line sideways. But Sunday would be the one that gets talked about whenever NASCAR returns to Darlington. A 3 lap shootout that sent Ricky Craven to victory lane but just by the hair on his head. Ricky Craven beat Kurt Busch to the line by .002 seconds. The closest finish in NASCAR history. Will we see another one of these finishes this Saturday Night?
The Lady Brings Out The Worst In People
In 2011 tempers between Rowdy and Happy flared and Kevin had had enough of him and decided to do the right thing. Leave his helmet and attempt to show him how unhappy he was with a certain Rowdy Busch. When Busch continued on his way downtown he pushed Harvicks' car into the pit wall.
Oh Yeah if your name is Busch you probably have seen both ends of Darlington. Celebrating with her and battling with someone because he took her from you. Kurt and Ryan Newman had bad blood one year that turned into a knockout drag-out fight.
The Lady Brings Out The Best For Some
Last year Kevin Harvick defeated Dale Earnhardt Jr and The Lady In Black to win his first Southern 500! The Only Difference it was in May This time there are drivers who have won this race before who are winless. Will we see a bump and run!
Before there were a Kurt Busch in the #78. Before Martin Truex Jr. put the #78 in victory lane Regan Smith gave Furniture Row Motorsports their first career victory. Defeating Carl Edwards!
Even Veterans have put cars in victory lane! Mark Martin gave Hendrick Motorsports another Southern 500 victory,
The Future?
Darlington Raceway is a place that I want my kids to know about.the track to tough to tame! I'd also like to see it gain back It's second race and replace Pocono. Darlington has been around for 65 and I'm sure the track is just getting started it still has another 165 years in it!
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