DARLINGTON ANNOUNCES PLANS TO HONOR ITS HISTORY

DARLINGTON RACEWAY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO HONOR ITS HISTORY AND SHAPE ITS FUTURE

 

The Track "Too Tough To Tame" Embraces the Past, Present and Future of NASCAR

 

DARLINGTON, S.C.(April 12, 2014) – It all started in the fall of 1949, when a crisp breeze toyed with the loose soil of an old cotton field on the west side of rural Darlington, South Carolina.  Harold Brasington saw more than just dirt dancing around that patch of land. He saw the future.  He saw Darlington Raceway.

 

Today, Darlington Raceway is a place of history, where fans reminisce about the past, while creating lasting memories of the present.  Where NASCAR legends were born and the youth of NASCAR dream about making their mark on the famed walls of The Lady in Black.

 

Celebrating its roots and looking forward to the future of NASCAR at Darlington Raceway, track president Chip Wile unveiled plans today to honor the track’s history and shape its future, as his team turns its attention to 2015. 

 

"As the drivers, teams, fans and media leave here this weekend thinking about who visited Gatorade Victory Lane, focusing on the next race and looking towards the 2014 Championship, we’re thinking about the future of Darlington Raceway, as we celebrate our past," said Wile during today’s announcement. 

 

Darlington Raceway’s place in history sets it apart from all other tracks.  It’s hallowed ground, where drivers dreams were shattered and new fans were born.  It continues to make its mark on drivers and fans with the great racing of today and the nostalgia of the past. 

 

"Our history defines us," added Wile.  "Without history we wouldn’t know where we’ve come from or where we’re going.  NASCAR legends and loyal fans have all played a role in defining Darlington Raceway.  Together, we’re celebrating where we came from and where we’re going."

 

As part of the celebration, five-time Darlington Raceway winner and 1988 NASCAR Champion, Bill Elliott, as well as his son, Chase, driver of the No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, a member of the NASCAR Next program, one of the sport’s rising stars and the youngest winner at Darlington Raceway, will serve as the "face" of the 2015 platform.  The father-son duo joined Wile to give media and fans in attendance a glimpse of what’s to come, which includes a "throwback" ticket design for the 2015 Bojangles’ Southern 500 and a Classic product line with merchandise through the decades that will be available for fans to purchase.

 

The track "Too Tough to Tame" will unveil elements of the 2015 platform throughout the season, as it celebrates the past and embraces the future as one of NASCAR’s most famed tracks. 

 

"We’re excited about what the future holds for Darlington Raceway," continued Wile.  "We have the most passionate, loyal fans in all of motorsports and we look forward to the role that they will play as we celebrate our past, present and future."

 

Fans are encouraged to join in the celebration as Darlington Raceway plans for the 2015 Bojangles’ Southern 500.  "Tell us your Darlington story," said Wile.  "If you have ideas about how Darlington Raceway and NASCAR can celebrate our history and embrace our future, please let us know." 

 

Fans can share their stories and submit celebration ideas at darlington1950@darlingtonraceway.com. 

 

Keep up with all the latest news from Darlington Raceway at DarlingtonRaceway.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DarlingtonRaceway and on Twitter at Twitter.com/TooToughToTame.