Darlington Raceway

Opened in 1950, Darlington Raceway is NASCAR's original superspeedway and one of its most historic and challenging tracks. Located in Darlington, South Carolina, the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval earned its nickname, 'The Track Too Tough to Tame,' due to its unique configuration. Founder Harold Brasington had to shape the track around a minnow pond, resulting in two distinct ends: Turns 1 and 2 are wider with a different radius than the tighter, narrower Turns 3 and 4. This asymmetry forces drivers to run a fine line right up against the outside wall, with the resulting 'Darlington Stripe' being a badge of honor for those who push the limits. The track is home to the prestigious Southern 500, a NASCAR crown jewel event held on Labor Day weekend, which now serves as the official 'Throwback Weekend' for the sport, celebrating its rich history.