Darlington Historic Racing Festival to Return in 2009
The event will once again be run on a Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27. The event was moved from its original Labor Day weekend date to help accommodate more entries in 2009.
"The Inaugural Darlington Historic Racing Festival was a special event that allowed us to showcase the history of Darlington Raceway and oval-track racing," said Browning. "We are looking forward to hosting the event again in 2009 and hope to have an even bigger turnout of car entries."
The 2008 festival was highlighted with appearances by some of NASCAR's all-time greats including: David Pearson, Junior Johnson, Darrell Waltrip, Buddy Baker, Bobby and Donnie Allison, Marvin Panch and many more.
In addition to legendary drivers several legendary cars were also on display, including four former Indianapolis 500 winning machines. A.J. Foyt's first Indy 500 winning car – a 1961 Bowes Seal Fast Special No. 1 – was on-hand along with the car he won the 1977 Indy 500 in – his final Indy 500 win of his career. The 1951 winning car of Lee Wallard and the 1962 winning car of Roger Ward were also on-hand.
There was plenty for fans to see and do at the festival throughout the weekend. In addition to question and answer and autograph sessions with the NASCAR legends, over 125 cars were on display at the event with nearly 100 of the cars turning laps on the historic 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval.
The 2009 event will again showcase a wide variety of race cars including: stock cars, Indy roadsters, modifieds, sprint cars and midgets. Several NASCAR legends will once again be in attendance to swap stories and interact with fans.