DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Engines roared and stands filled Saturday night as Darlington Raceway kicked off its Labor Day weekend, bringing thousands of NASCAR fans to the Pee Dee from across the country.
For many visitors, the weekend is about more than watching a race. It’s a chance to experience one of NASCAR’s historic tracks, cheer on favorite drivers and spend time with family and friends.
Jill Hosey traveled to Darlington from Fort Worth, Texas. She said her family typically attends races at Texas Motor Speedway because they live nearby but decided this year to start visiting different tracks.
“We decided, hey, let’s start venturing out and going to different tracks every year.”
Fans came to Darlington with plenty of drivers to cheer for, including Chase Elliott, William Byron, Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace.
For Lewis Howe, who traveled from Boston, seeing Darlington Raceway in person was a long-awaited experience.
“I’ve always wanted to see this track. I’m hearing it’s too tough to tame, and I’m hoping that’s true.”
Darlington’s reputation as the “Track Too Tough to Tame” was part of the appeal for many first-time visitors.
Howe said he was impressed with both the track and the city of Darlington.
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“This is a lovely little place, and the track looks fantastic, and I’m hoping to get some good barbecue before I go home.”
For Charlie Trammell, who traveled from the Greenville area, the weekend was about spending time with his son while enjoying their shared interest in racing.
“For us, it’s spending time together, for me. Father and son, this is special for us. And then the racing side too.”
Howe was also at the track to support his son, who is pursuing a career in racing engineering and was working at the event this weekend.
“Overall, I just like the experience. And I like being with my boy. He’s living his dream, and I get to be a part of it, and I’m very blessed.”
For Tammie and Ben Green, traveling to Darlington has become an annual family tradition.
The Florida couple said Friday marked their 12th consecutive year attending races at Darlington Raceway. This year, they brought their great-niece along for her first NASCAR race.
“I don’t know, she might love it too. She’s going to find out. This is her first NASCAR race ever.”
With fans traveling from across the country and generations of families gathering at the track, Labor Day weekend at Darlington Raceway is offering more than racing, it’s creating new experiences and continuing a tradition for longtime NASCAR fans.
The Cook Out Southern 500 is scheduled to begin Sunday at 5 p.m. at Darlington Raceway.
