Information about Darlington Raceway as well as other attractions, lodging and restaurants in the area around the track. Also, specials offered to save some money while attending the race.

Track Facts

• 1.366 miles oval
• 367 laps = 501 miles
• 25 degrees banking in turns 1 & 2, 23 degrees in turns 3 & 4, 3 degrees front-stretch, 2 degrees back-stretch
• 63,000 seats
• The first race was scheduled for Labor Day 1950 and was not expected to draw more than 10,000 fans, but a crowd of more than 25,000 showed up. Californian Johnny Mantz drove to victory that day in the first Southern 500. The race took more than six hours to complete.

Top Rated Hotels (per TripAdvisor.com)

• Best Value Inn

Dining Recommendations Away from Track (per TripAdvisor.com)

• Boss Hog Smokehouse – 1536 S. Main St, Darlington, (843) 393-9534
• Country Barn Restaurant – 2233 W. Harry Byrd Blvd, Darlington, (843) 395-2257
• Raceway Grill – 1207 Harry Byrd, Darlington, (843) 393-7339

Other Area Attractions

• Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum – 301 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington, SC , (843) 395-8821; The Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum and NMPA Hall of Fame offer those who are interested in the history of stock car racing an in-depth look at the roots of the sport, and has a lot to pique the interest of newer fans as well. 9AM – 5PM Mon – Sat; Adults $5.40, children under 12 free.

Specials

• All You Can Eat Tix Package returns at Darlington: The immensely popular all-you-can-eat Colvin Grill ticket package will return for the 2009 Southern 500. Ticket packages start at $50 and can be purchased by calling 1-866-459-RACE or logging onto DarlingtonRaceway.com. Each package includes seating in the Colvin grandstand and unlimited hamburgers, hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks in the Colvin Grill. Additionally, fans who have already purchased tickets for the 2009 Southern 500 or plan to purchase tickets in a grandstand other than Colvin may add the all-you-can-eat package to their existing ticket for only $15 per person. Each fan who takes advantage of this unique offer will receive a special wristband valid for admission to the Colvin Grill adjacent to the Colvin grandstand outside of turn 2 at Darlington Raceway. The grill will open at 5:00 p.m. on May 9th and will close at 7:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to act quickly as only a limited number of Colvin Grill ticket packages are available. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-10-2009)