Overview

Fast facts

Year Opened: 1950

Capacity: 58000

City / State: Darlington / South Carolina

Biggest Event: Bojangles' Southern 500

All time Champion: Jeff Gordon

Recent Winner: Erik Jones

Known for: Its egg-shaped design with the ends of the oval having different configurations.

Last 5 Winners

2019

Erik Jones secures the win in the 2019 Bojangles' Southern 500 with a time of 3:44:46. He was able to best Kyle Larson (2nd) and Kyle Busch (3rd).

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2018

Brad Keselowski won the 2018 Bojangles' Southern 500 with a time of 3:48:54. He was able to beat Joey Logano who got 2nd place, and Kyle Larson who ended up in 3rd.

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2017

Denny Hamlin won the 2017 Bojangles' Southern 500 with a time of 3:46:34. He was able to beat Kyle Busch who got 2nd place, and Kurt Busch who ended up in 3rd.

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2016

Martin Truex, Jr. won the 2016 Bojangles' Southern 500 with a time of 3:57:54. He was able to beat Kevin Harvick who got 2nd place, and Kyle Larson who ended up in 3rd.

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2015

Carl Edwards won the 2015 Bojangles' Southern 500 with a time of 4:28:35. He was able to beat Denny Hamlin who got 2nd place, and Joey Logano who ended up in 3rd.

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Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

When attending the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway, tailgating is a must. There is no better way to tailgate before the race than to camp out at the track over the weekend. Camping allows you to experience not one, but three days of tailgating fun making it the perfect way to experience all of the pre-race festivities.

Before the big race on Sunday make sure to take advantage of your opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes. The Pre-Race Pit Pass, Darlington Stripe Zone, and T4 Zone are all excellent ways to get close to your favorite driver or race team, so make sure to secure one of them to get the full pre-race experience.

Another can’t miss part of the festivities is the driver introductions. The driver intros are a big part of any race, and it’s no different at Darlington. If you want to get an up-close look at your favorite driver before the race, then the driver intros are a must.

You also won’t want to miss the pre-race concert. The pre-race concert is a fantastic way for you to let loose and celebrate the race weekend with your fellow fans. Come ready to get rowdy and have an incredible time taking in the pre-race concert.

Finally, if you’re bringing the kids to the race, then make sure to sign them up for the Raceway Rascals kids club. The kids club gives young fans the opportunity to attend an autograph session where they can meet their favorite drivers. Kids will also receive a ticket to the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday as well.

Whether you’re looking to get a look behind the scenes, party hard, or have a fun family weekend you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for when tailgating before the Southern 500.

Traditions

Pre-Race Pit Pass

If you want to get a behind the scenes look at what goes on before the race, then make sure to get a Pre-Race Pit Pass. The Pre-Race Pit Pass gives you exclusive access making it a must for any diehard fan.

Darlington Stripe Zone

Those of you who want to get the most out of your pre-race experience will want to sign up for the Darlington Stripe Zone pre-race entertainment package. The package provides you with a pre-race pit pass and admission to the Darlington Stripe Zone. The Darlington Stripe Zone is home to special celebrity appearances, giveaways, a dinner buffet, and more making it a must for any fan.

Display Area

Make sure to check out the display area before the race. The display area features a variety of exhibits and sponsor tents, so don’t miss it during your visit to Darlington Raceway.

Driver Introductions

Don’t miss the driver introductions, especially if you want to try and catch a look at your favorite driver before the race. The driver introductions are a big part of any race, and it’s no different at the Southern 500, so make sure to be in attendance.

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Pre-Race Concert

Like most stops on the NASCAR tour, the Darlington Raceway is home to a pre-race concert. The concert is a fun part of the race and a great way to let loose so come prepared to party and enjoy the show during your trip to Darlington.

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Raceway Rascals

Sign your kids up for the Darlington Raceway kids club. Raceway Rascals members get free tickets to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Sports Clip Haircuts VFW 200 as well as access to an autograph session making it the perfect way to get young fans involved.

T4 Zone

The T4 Zone is one of the best ways to experience the pre-race environment at the Southern 500. Here you’ll be treated to a pre-race COLD pit access, a full meal, air conditioning, and much more.

Where to tailgate

Stadium Guide

In Game

The Southern 500 is a Labor Day weekend tradition that dates back to 1950 making it the perfect time to make a trip to Darlington Raceway. The race should be on the bucket list of any NASCAR fan and is always a must-see as it’s one of the last races before the playoffs start. If you can only attend one race during the season, then there are few better than the Southern 500.

Experience the Southern 500 by taking advantage of one of the several suites or club options available to you. The Legends Suites and Tower Club both give you an incredible view of the entire track making them the perfect place to take in the race if you don’t want to miss any of the action. On the other hand, if you want to be close to the action, then you can’t beat the Infield Suites. These suites provide the most exciting place to watch the race and put your right on top of all the action.

In addition to being home to one of the best NASCAR Cup Series races of the season, Darlington is also home to the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum. The museum is a must-see for any NASCAR fan and alone is worth the trip to Darlington. Here you’ll see tons of NASCAR memorabilia including lots of cars driven by legendary drivers such as Richard Petty, so make sure to take some time to see the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum during your visit.

Lastly, those of you looking to visit Darlington in the offseason or live nearby will want to check out the Speed and Feed BBQ Cook-Off and Car Show. The event is perfect for anyone who loves barbecue and cars, so start planning your fall trip to the Darlington Raceway today.

The Darlington Raceway and Southern 500 are both must-sees for any NASCAR fan making a trip to the track the perfect way for you to wrap up the summer.

Things to check out

Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum

No trip to Darlington is complete without checking out the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum. The museum is home to all kinds of racing memorabilia and classic cars including ones driven by legendary drivers such as Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip. The Stock Car Museum also houses the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame, so schedule some time during your visit to see the museum.

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Speed and Feed BBQ Cook Off and Car Show

If you love cars and barbecue, then make sure to attend the Speed and Feed BBQ Cook-Off and Car Show in October. The event is a great way to spend a fall weekend and is an excellent time for the entire family, so don’t miss

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Legends Suites

Enjoy the race from the Legends Suites above the Colvin Grandstands. These suites give you an incredible view of the backstretch as well as VIP parking and Pre-Race Pit Passes.

Infield Suites

The Infield Suites put you right on top of the action. Located in Turn 2 these suites provide you Pre-Race Pit Passes and the ability to watch the race up close making them a fantastic way to take in the race.

Tower Suites

Located in Turn 3, the Tower Suites give you a one of a kind view. You can see pretty much the entire track from the Tower Suites making them the perfect place to take in the race.

Bars & Restaurants

  1. Southern Hops Brewing Co

    Bar Bordertown Grill

    Relaxed joint with a patio for house-brewed beer, creative pizza & other pub eats, plus live music.

    911 S Sunset Acres Ln, Florence, SC 29501, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Vintage Craft Beer and Wine Bar

    Vintage Craft Beer and Wine Bar Beer

    Hartsville's premier spot for craft beer and wine. Enjoy your drinks here or to-go. Drink Outside The Box.

    152 E Mantissa Row, Hartsville, SC 29550, USA

    843-917-0161

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Roger’s Bar-B-Q House

    Rogers Bar B Q House BBQ

    Busy, time-tested buffet operation providing Southern BBQ & seafood standards in easygoing environs.

    2004 2nd Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29501, USA

    843-667-9291

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  4. Mayflower Seafood Restaurant

    Mayflower Seafood Restaurant Seafood

    We take pride in offering a wide selection of great-tasting seafood dishes that will surely make you come back for more.

    1765 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington, SC 29532, USA

    843-393-9181

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Jack’s Place

    Jacks Place Burger

    Buffet and service og this restaurant is served to satisfy you.

    1520 Freedom Blvd, Florence, SC 29505, USA

    843-669-2320

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Palmetto Subs

    Palmetto Subs Sandwich

    Fresh Breads &Our Selection of Quality Meats &Cheeses are Sliced Before Your Eyes, Topped with Our Farm Fresh Vegetables, &Our Select Spices

    506 Pearl St, Darlington, SC 29532, USA

    843-393-7083

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Jumping J’s

    Jumping Js sandwich Mutineer Restaurant Sandwich

    Familiar American counter-serve joint turning out burgers, sandwiches & other everyday fare.

    898 S Irby St, Florence, SC 29501, USA

    843-665-8440

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Townhouse Restaurant

    Townhouse Restaurant Salad

    Experience comfort like never before.

    317 S Irby St, Florence, SC 29501, USA

    843-669-5083

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Corona Mexican Restaurant

    La Corona Taco La Chiquita Tacos Taco Corono Mexican Restaurant Tacos El Burrito Loco

    Great experience and food, as if you're in Mexico!

    2029 W Evans St, Florence, SC 29501, USA

    843-665-6508

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  10. Jewel’s Delux Restaurant

    Jewells on Main Salad Patrick Henry's Pub & Grille Salad Bone Island Grill Salad Jewels Delux Restaurant Salad

    A local favorite!

    32 Public Square, Darlington, SC 29532, USA

    843-393-5511

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. B&B Restaurant

    JD Allisons Bar & Grill Burger JRs HOmetown Grill & Pub Burger The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill Burger Jewels Delux Restaurant Burger

    Southern food done right!

    1536 S Main St, Darlington, SC 29532, USA

    8430-393-9534

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Takis Diner

    Iron Skillet Fried Chicken State Line Fried Chicken Finish Line Cafe Fried Chicken Ark Fried Chicken Chicken Tenders Takis Diner Fried Chicken

    A must-go-to before or after the race!

    609 Pearl St, Darlington, SC 29532, USA

    843-393-8979

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. The Drive In

    The Drive In Fries

    Original drive-in with a retro diner look serving up burgers, fries, shakes & chicken since 1957.

    135 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506, USA

    843-407-071

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Stefano’s Pizza Restaurant

    Stefano's Pizza Restaurant

    Snug eatery mainstay dispensing a variety of pizzas & other Italian staples in comfortable digs.

    2600 S Irby St, Florence, SC 29505, USA

    843-664-9191

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  15. Tubb’s Shrimp and Fish Co.

    Tubbs Shrimp and Fish Co. Dumplings

    Southern-style seafood plates, plus beer & wine, served in down-to-earth digs with a patio.

    1500 2nd Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29505, USA

    843-799-5579

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Rebel Pie

    Rebel Pie Pizza

    At Rebel Pie, we serve only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and, whenever possible, we source our toppings from local providers.

    804 2nd Loop Rd, Florence, SC 29505, USA

    843-407-4195

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  17. Red Bone Alley Restaurant

    Red Bone Alley Restaurant Bar Beer

    Classic American eats served in a cavernous 2-tiered re-creation of an old Charleston neighborhood.

    1903 W Palmetto St Florence, SC 29501

    843-673-0035

    Bar website

    american - $$

  18. Apple Annie’s Deli & Pub

    Apple Annies Deli & Pub Beer

    Enduring pub & music venue offering live bands, sandwiches, burgers & beers since 1984.

    1720 W Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29501, USA

    843-669-6247

    Bar website

    american - $