description Southern 500 Overview
Historic NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, first run in 1950 and one of the oldest superspeedway events in the series.
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Southern 500 ranks #25 of 206 in the Motor Race ranking, behind SCORE Baja 1000, ahead of Long Beach Grand Prix.
Darlington tradition, difficulty, throwback culture, and historic status make the Southern 500 one of NASCAR's crown jewels.
help Southern 500 FAQ
Why is Darlington Raceway called the Track Too Tough to Tame?
Darlington's narrow racing line, abrasive pavement and differently shaped ends make car control unusually difficult. Drivers often brush the outside wall and acquire the scrape known as the Darlington Stripe.
Why does the Southern 500 traditionally run on Labor Day weekend?
The inaugural Southern 500 was held on Labor Day in 1950, establishing one of NASCAR's defining holiday traditions. The race moved to other dates for a period but returned to Labor Day weekend in 2015.
Why are the two ends of Darlington Raceway shaped differently?
The track was designed around a neighboring minnow pond that its owner did not want disturbed. That constraint produced an egg-shaped 1.366-mile oval with turns of noticeably different radii.
How long is the Southern 500 in laps?
The modern race covers 367 laps around Darlington Raceway, totaling just over 501 miles. Its length, tire wear and typically hot South Carolina conditions make it one of the NASCAR Cup Series' major endurance tests.
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