DARLINGTON - LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!
DARLINGTON - LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!
It’s Friday morning and I’m at the track that they say is too tough to tame: Darlington Raceway.
All around the area there is a buzz in the air that resembles a heavy weight title bout. In fact, on the drive to Darlington yesterday, I saw a huge billboard that looks more like a promo for a boxing match than a NASCAR race. Which boxers (I mean drivers) are on the billboard? It’s NASCAR bad boys Kevin Harvick vs. Kyle Busch.
Upon arriving at the track yesterday for the first time, I was taken aback at just how intimate and close to the action the fans will be all weekend. And as we go under the lights at “The Lady in Black” on Saturday night, I think this track is going to have the feel much like a big boxing ring, that’s set inside a tight NASCAR race track!
One of the interesting things this track is known for is the “Darlington stripe.” For those new to NASCAR racing, this comes from the fact the walls of the track are painted white before the race weekend, and inside the tight confines of Darlington Raceway, many of the cars scrape the walls. It’s often said that the rookie drivers earn their “stripes” by banging alongside the walls of the track. Just thinking about the Darlington stripe, brings to mind visions of a gritty boxing cutman in the corner, who’s sole job is to repair his boxer so he can get back in the ring.
As I write, the track is now alive with the roar of practices. In fact, the production trailer in which I’m sitting literally rocks up and down as the cars scream around the track. And even at this early hour of the day, the energy and anticipation for the Southern 500 is starting to build.
Darlington Race fans, you don’t want to miss any of the live exciting race action Friday and Saturday night when you’re at the track, so you better pick up a FanVision controller at locations all around the racetrack. Get yourself dialed in with the live race, 8 in-car cameras, instant replays, and the digital radio scanner with replays between the drivers and the pits, MRN radio calling the race 5X5, live stats, and so much more!
Ya know, I just wonder – on a hot South Carolina Saturday night - will the famous ring announcer Michael Buffer stroll up to the microphone in his black tux and say, “Gentlemen, start your engines, and Darlington, let’s get ready to RUMBLE!”
Until next time, remember…winners don’t wait for chances…they take them!
