What Can You Do at the Bojangles Southern 500?

 


Professional stock car racing fans, get ready to start your engines because one of the biggest races of the season takes place in Eastern South Carolina at the end of the summer! The 
Bojangles Southern 500 packs in plenty of history and pulse-pounding excitement onto the tight track at Darlington Raceway. Whether you’re an avid fan or a casual follower, you won’t find a racing experience like this anywhere else in the country! Out of town guests will want to request a free copy of our Travel Guide! It’s full of the top places to stop along the entire I-95 corridor!

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Your Ticket to the Bojangles Southern 500

Race History

The Bojangles Southern 500 began as one of the first professional stock car races back in 1950, one year after the first race took place at Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, this Darlington Raceway event was the first ever 500-mile race, and the only one until the Daytona 500 started in 1959. The Bojangles Southern 500 continued as the Southern 500 on Labor Day weekend until 2003. Officials changed the name and race date until 2015 when it returned to Labor Day weekend. Today, you can still find the same excitement on the “Track Too Tough to Tame” as cars growl around every corner and fans cheer on their favorite driver!

Race Information

The Bojangles Southern 500 takes place on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. While the race field is relatively the same every year, over half of the cars sport a special paint scheme to commemorate the new “Throwback Weekend” tradition. There’s nothing quite like a night under the lights, listening to the roar of the racetrack at Darlington Raceway.

Other Darlington Raceway Events and Attractions

Sports Clips Haircuts Help a Hero 200

The Bojangles Southern 500 isn’t the only race on Labor Day Weekend! You can whet your appetite for burning rubber on Saturday with the Sports Clips Haircuts Help a Hero 200! This abridged version of the main race weekend event is the “minor league” of professional stock car racing. But that doesn’t mean it lacks the same excitement! It’s the perfect event for fans new to pro stock car racing.

Speed and Feed

Speed and Feed is another great event for car and food lovers! This November event includes a BBQ cookoff, a tasting, and a classic car show. You’ll find more details about the event as the year goes on.

Darlington Raceway Museum

If you’re in the mood to learn about the extensive history of Darlington Raceway and the Bojangles Southern 500, make sure you stop by the on-site museum. You’ll find everything from old and new stock cars to information regarding the new direction of the sport. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Take a Victory Lap at Abingdon Manor

After a thrilling experience at the Bojangles Southern 500, head back to the quiet oasis that is Abingdon Manor. Our quaint and charming Inn is only a 35-minute drive from the racetrack and is the perfect spot to rest and rejuvenate. Each of our seven well-appointed rooms features unique decor and modern luxuries to ensure that your stay is comfortable and relaxing. Complete your race weekend stay with a night of dining in our gourmet restaurant, where you can reserve a table in our intimate dining room and indulge in a delicious prix fixe meal. View our monthly menu for the featured main course. You can also take a look at our things to do page for ideas on how to plan your stay with us!

Start planning your trip to Darlington Raceway by booking your room with us today! We look forward to meeting you!

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