Tuesday, May 10th 'What If' Question

When NASCAR started to revamp their schedule a few years ago many different tracks felt the effect, some still feel it as the schedule continues to change. Among the tracks targeted was Darlington Raceway, one of NASCAR's crown jewels and a popular venue amongst the fans and some drivers.

Since the Sprint Cup Series started racing at the South Carolina facility in 1972 it has done so twice a year. There have been photo finishes, excuse me, the closest finish in history between Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven, nasty wrecks like Tony Stewart in 2002, and more cars into its wall than any other track has ever seen. And most recently, there's even been a fight.

Except, when the series headed to the track in 2005 it would only be for one event that season, which has unfortunately been the case for the last six years. No more does Darlington host it's annual labor day date, instead opening its gates for an early season battle in May. While many have continually called for NASCAR to bring back it's second date or at least

NASCAR has yet to change their mind but it hasn't been all bad for Darlington. The track remains one of the most respect and storied as well as intimidating. The racing has been fast and furious and the winners have been relatively new, with only one repeat winner, Greg Biffle, since it went to its one date a year schedule.

This past Saturday night it seemed everything and anything that could happen in a NASCAR race did at Darlington. There was an exciting race to the finish with not only a first time winner but a Cinderella story pulling off the upset. There were classic Darlington stripes, driver meltdowns on the radios and hard nosed racing which led to a punch being thrown. Not bad for a track that only has one race to make memorable.

But ...

What if @TooToughToTame still had its two race dates, could their second race live up to this past Sundays? #NASCAR

@hillbillyDem: the racing is always great at @TooToughToTame I always enjoyed the spring 400 as much if not more than the Southern 500. the reason @TooToughToTame has one race is because of ticket sales, if quality of racing counted we'd still go to Rockingham

@JordanTMcGraw: Nope

Tim Simmons (via Facebook) I didn't get to watch all the race. But was the racing really that good? Or just the drama, the race didn't seem like anything special. But Darlington is still a cool place

Thursday, September 2nd "What If" Question

Ask any track promoter and they're bound to tell you that their facility is better than anyone else's. From Daytona to Bristol or Martinsville and Talladega, each has their own unique characteristics. Perhaps none are as unique as the Darlington Raceway in South Carolina however.

Built in 1949 the track is egg-shapped due to a neighboring minnow pond that the land owner said he didn't want disturbed. Upon it's completion Darlington consisted of two turns that were bigger than the opposing two. Quickly nicknamed "The Lady in Black" and "Too Tough Too Tame" the racing didn't disappoint.

Drivers quickly realized this wasn't any other track, they would have to earn their money if they wanted to end the day in victory lane. From multi-car wrecks to single driver incidents, the Lady in Black would strike whenever a driver had let their guard down. But, she was also very giving when in 2003 she produced the closest margin of victory in NASCAR history when Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven went door-to-door, fender-to-fender to the finish line.

If it wasn't wrecks it was tires that stole the show. The tough 'ol track wasn't very kind to Goodyear eagles as they would usually be no good after 10 or 20 laps. Some drivers even said they were shot after driving their car from the garage to pit road. Even after being repaved it hasn't slowed anything down and Darlington is still one of the toughest tracks on the circuit, as well as one of the most respected.

But ...

What if Darlington wasn't shaped like an egg 'cause of a neighboring pond. Would it still have unique characteristics and be tough?

@DarlingtonChick What a very odd question! I would prefer tweeps not contemplate a non-egg shaped Darlington! Darlington is all things sacred to NASCAR faithful. But u already know this. ;-)

@stevewaid Not likely. But the fact is that it does. As other tracks have their unique characteristics.

@nathanmedic Yes, due to the grit-nature of the track causing massive tire-wear b/c of surrounding SC environment > import than.

@phathead I think it has more to do with the narrow lanes than the shape.

@RTiongson As Rockingham is located in North Carolina's Sand Hills, Darlington's location is such that the asphalt ages faster. I also credit its location. Even when they repave that track, the asphalt wears out and grinds those tires up. Classic racing.