Why Is Darlington Raceway Known as the Lady in Black?

South Carolina's Darlington Raceway is a track with two nicknames. Most race fans are likely familiar with "Too Tough to Tame." A look back into Darlington's history, however, sheds some light on the track's more mysterious nickname, "the Lady in Black."

  1. History

    • Construction began in Darlington in 1949 to turn farmland into the first paved speedway. Creator Harold Brasington originally intended for the track to be a perfect oval but changed his plans to preserve the fishing pond of landowner Sherman Ramsey. This resulted in the narrowing of turns 3 and 4 that give the track its distinctive egg shape, as well as its so-called "feistiness." According to Darlingtonraceway.com, when the speedway held its first race in 1950, more than 25,000 fans filled the stands, establishing Darlington as one of the "pillars" of NASCAR.

    The Lady in Black

    • Darlington, known as an unpredictable and difficult track, derives its "Lady in Black" nickname from the track's painted white walls that turn black during a race from all the cars that scrape or crash against them.

    Significance

    • The modern-day Darlington Raceway has been remodeled several times but retains its unique character and level of difficulty. This challenge continues to attract drivers and fans to experience "the Lady in Black."