Darlington Raceway awaits word on 2011 race date

By: Lou Bezjak | SCNow
Published: July 10, 2010

DARLINGTON – Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning isn’t sure how possible changes to next year’s Sprint Cup schedule would affect the track’s race date.

The track’s Cup date has been Mother’s Day weekend since 2005 and the track has had success with it. The first four races sold out.

“I feel like the date has worked very well for us,” Browning said. “And we don’t have reason to believe the date will be changed, but those kind of decisions are made over my head.”

Browning said he hasn’t received the sanctioning agreements, which say when the track’s date will be. In the past, Browning usually has had them by now.

NASCAR president Brian France said last week International Speedway Corporation, Darlington’s parent company, and Speedway Motorsports Inc. both have petitioned NAS-CAR to have dates realigned.

ISC wants a second date for Kansas Speedway and SMI has wanted a Cup date for Ken-tucky the last few years. The company also wants a second date for Las Vegas.

The schedule is likely to be released sometime near Labor Day.

“I read a lot of the reports like everyone else and it sounds like pretty major changes are coming for next year. It will be interesting what really happens,” Browning said.

Browning said he hopes to stay with the Mother’s Day weekend date, but would prepare to promote whatever date is given to the track.

One date Browning is certain of is Aug. 14 when the Camping World Truck Series makes its return to the Lady in Black. The series ran four races from 2001-2004 with Kasey Kahne winning the last one in the first-ever night race at Darlington Raceway.

“I think it will be a great show,” Browning said. “The truck races that have been here have been outstanding. It’s such an awesome deal. It is a one-day thing and it will be held in a perfect weekend. Being a night race also helps out.”

The truck race is scheduled just for this year, but Browning hopes it will become an annual event.

Browning said they are still looking for a title sponsor for the event and hopes to have one in place in the next few weeks.