#3WideBlog Race Preview: Southern 500

     Okay folks, here we go, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is on its way to Darlington Raceway, "The lady in black". The track "Too Tough to Tame" that's famous for close finishes, the "Darlington stripe" and "Busch vs Harvick"

Kyle Busch pushes Kevin Harvick's car on pit road.

     Does everyone remember that? Thought so, how could we forget? In last years Southern 500 not only did we see Regan Smith get his first ever Sprint Cup win, we also saw Kyle Busch push Kevin Harvick's car into the inside wall on pit road. Last years mess between Harvick and Busch was quite the show. We all know how "Rowdy" races and we all know how "Happy" races, both men are incredible wheel-men. However, get on their bad side and its' not likely to end well for you...at all.

     This is the type of thing we've come to expect out of Darlington, what with the finishes being so close over the years you're fighting for every inch of space you can get. When it comes time to cross the finish line, that inch could be the difference between being in victory lane celebrating...or..packing it up and heading back to the shop.  . 


     In recent years the track has been reconfigured; what was the front stretch is now the back stretch, lights were installed for night racing, and the turns have been renumbered. The track earned the moniker "The Lady in Black" partly because of it being the first paved track in NASCAR,and partly because of the many black marks left behind by tires bouncing off the walls during the race. Darlington is also known as "Too Tough to Tame", and  racers having hit the wall are considered to have received their "Darlington stripe". The track is particularly narrow due to its unique egg shape with the paved groove right up near the wall and tends to be quite difficult to navigate.This year's installment may not be as exciting as last years at least if you go by the current trend we've been witnessing so far, however it still should provide plenty of good entertainment and tight racing for even the most casual of fans to enjoy.

Regan Smith wins the Southern 500 in 2011

     This year's entry list can be found here, two things worth noting are that you will notice the #10 of Danica Patrick is on that list, she will be making her first Darlington start on Friday in the Nationwide series, but not before having a nice sit down talk with NASCAR officials after her dumping of Sam Hornish Jr at the end of last weeks Nationwide race at Talladega Superspeedway. You will also notice that Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will be fielding the 4th car #33 for Stephen Leicht, The 25 year old native of Asheville NC will have to qualify in on speed. 

     This race promises to be a good, entertaining race, you may not see as many cautions this year as you have in past years, but the racing will be tight, the battles will be good, and the finish will more then likely be close. This race every year is one of the best to watch and hopefully this year doesn't disappoint.




Race Info:                                                                   Event Schedule


Date- Saturday Night May 12th, 2012                           Cup Practice: Friday @ 11:30AM EST (SPEED)

Location- Darlington, South Carolina                             Practice: Friday @ 2:00PM EST (SPEED)

Start time- 7:15 PM EST                                              Qualify: Friday @ 5:00PM EST (SPEED)

Distance- 367 Laps/501.322 Miles                                Race: Saturday @ 6:30PM EST (FOX)

Broadcast TV- FOX

Broadcast Radio- MRN