SC Legislature Honors Bojangles Southern 500

The week of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 -- August 31 through September 6 -- has been named “Darlington Raceway Week, a Week Too Tough To Tame” after the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution.

The famed track’s 66-year history is a major reason that the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives passed the resolution, led by state Senator Gerald Malloy, D-Hartsville.

The Resolution outlines the historical significance of Darlington Raceway and addresses the role the track played in building the foundation of what has become one of the largest spectator sports in the country.

“We can’t thank our state government, led by Senator Malloy, enough for passing this Resolution declaring August 31-September 6 as `Darlington Raceway Week, a Week Too Tough To Tame’ in South Carolina,” said Darlington Raceway President Chip Wile. “Our leaders recognize the economic importance that the track and NASCAR brings to the state every year. It is an honor to host one of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ most prestigious events in the Palmetto State, and in turn bring a tremendous amount of economic impact to the Pee Dee area.”

The Bojangles’ Southern 500 returns to Darlington Raceway on its traditional Labor Day weekend this season, after hosting NASCAR events on the holiday weekend from 1950-2003. That return has brought a renewed level of excitement to the state; one that is being embraced by the community and its government leaders.

“Returning to Labor Day weekend has brought Darlington Raceway and the state of South Carolina back to the forefront on the NASCAR circuit,” Wile said. “We appreciate the support with the Bojangles’ Southern 500 returning to its historical date on the racing calendar.”

Racing action begins on Friday, Sept. 4, with NASCAR XFINITY and Sprint Cup Series practices from 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. The track is opening the grandstands to fans for just $5.

Saturday, Sept. 5, features a full day of on-track activity scheduled including qualifying for the Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series. The day will conclude with the XFINITY Series VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 at 3:30 p.m. on NBC.

Sunday, Sept. 6, the Bojangles’ Southern 500 will take the green-flag at 7 p.m. on NBC with NASCAR’s biggest stars battling for the Johnny Mantz Bojangles’ Southern 500 trophy under the lights at the track Too Tough To Tame.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 is set for Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015. The NASCAR XFINITY Series VFW Sport Clips Help A Hero 200 will race on Saturday, Sept. 5. Tickets are on sale now by calling 866-459-7223 or visiting www.DarlingtonRaceway.com.