The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway has long been regarded as one of NASCAR’s crown jewels, a race that blends tradition, endurance, and unpredictability on one of the sport’s most unforgiving tracks. Since its first running in 1950, this event has produced victories that became cornerstones of NASCAR history. Its unique layout and abrasive surface have challenged the sport’s best and created a stage for triumph, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the legacy of stock car racing.
Key Highlights
The first Southern 500 in 1950 drew 75 cars and established Darlington’s endurance reputation
Bill Elliott captured the Winston Million at Darlington in 1985, cementing its crown jewel status
Jeff Gordon repeated the feat in 1997 with another Winston Million-winning performance
Darrell Waltrip earned his final career win in the 1992 Southern 500
Recent winners like Regan Smith (2011) and Erik Jones (2022) added modern drama to Darlington’s legacy
The First Southern 500: 1950
The inaugural Southern 500 was contested on September 4, 1950, making history as NASCAR’s first-ever 500-mile race. With 75 cars starting, it was the largest field the sport had ever seen. Johnny Mantz piloted a Plymouth coupe to victory, not through speed but through durability and tire management. While faster cars faltered under the stress of Darlington’s surface, Mantz conserved his equipment and triumphed by nine laps. The six-hour marathon cemented the Southern 500 as a grueling endurance test. By the following year, its popularity drew a record 82 entries, proving its immediate impact.
Bill Elliott’s Million-Dollar Milestone
Darlington played host to one of NASCAR’s most celebrated accomplishments when Bill Elliott captured the 1985 Southern 500. Already victorious at Daytona and Talladega, Elliott entered with a chance to win the Winston Million, a bonus for capturing three of NASCAR’s four major races in one season. Despite mechanical issues and heavy competition, Elliott persevered to score the victory. The achievement not only earned him the million-dollar prize but also elevated Darlington into the national spotlight as a track where careers and legends were defined.
Jeff Gordon’s 1997 Triumph
Twelve years later, Jeff Gordon replicated Elliott’s success. Having already claimed victories at Daytona and Charlotte, Gordon arrived at Darlington in 1997 with the Winston Million within reach. He dominated the Southern 500, fending off relentless challenges from Jeff Burton and others. His ability to master Darlington’s abrasive surface while under immense pressure highlighted his rise as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers. Gordon’s triumph reinforced the Southern 500’s reputation as a proving ground where only the toughest could prevail.
Darrell Waltrip’s Farewell Win
In 1992, Darrell Waltrip scored his final career win at Darlington in an emotional Southern 500. With a reputation built on tire management and tactical awareness, Waltrip applied every bit of experience to outmaneuver a competitive field. The win was not just another checkered flag but a fitting conclusion to a Hall of Fame career. For fans and fellow drivers, the victory symbolized the respect Darlington commands and the memories it imprints on NASCAR history.
Regan Smith’s Stunning 2011 Upset
Darlington has always had a knack for producing unlikely results, and Regan Smith’s 2011 Southern 500 remains one of its most surprising. Driving for the underdog Furniture Row Racing team, Smith stayed on track during a late caution while others pitted. The gamble paid off when a crash behind him allowed him to seize the lead. Smith held off Denny Hamlin to earn his first career victory, proving that at Darlington, perseverance and bold decisions can topple giants.
The Throwback Race and Carl Edwards’ Comeback
The 2015 Southern 500 embraced NASCAR’s roots with a throwback weekend, complete with retro paint schemes and classic broadcast voices. Amid the nostalgia, Carl Edwards delivered a dramatic comeback. After falling two laps down, Edwards used smart pit calls and relentless driving to claw his way back into contention. In the final laps, he surged ahead to capture victory, showing once more that Darlington rewards resilience and strategy as much as outright speed.
Erik Jones and the No. 43 Legacy
In 2022, Erik Jones carried the iconic No. 43 car of Petty GMS back to victory lane in the Southern 500. Jones capitalized on Kyle Busch’s late misfortune and held off a hungry field to secure the win. The result was more than a personal triumph—it revived the legacy of Richard Petty’s number at one of NASCAR’s most historic venues. For Jones and his team, the moment underscored the unpredictable drama that continues to define Darlington.
News in Brief: Cook Out Southern 500 Famous Races
The Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway has delivered history-shaping moments since its inaugural race in 1950, from Johnny Mantz’s tire-saving triumph to Bill Elliott’s 1985 Winston Million milestone and Jeff Gordon’s 1997 repeat. Darrell Waltrip’s final career win in 1992 added poignancy, while Regan Smith’s 2011 upset and Erik Jones’ 2022 victory highlighted Darlington’s unpredictable nature. With its unique layout and unforgiving surface, the Southern 500 remains one of NASCAR’s crown jewels.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Guide to NASCAR’s Cook Out Southern 500 Weekend!
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Darlington Raceway famous?
A. Darlington Raceway stands as one of NASCAR’s oldest and most demanding tracks. Before larger venues were built, it was recognized as the sport’s first true superspeedway. Today, the track hosts NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend each spring and the historic Southern 500 every Labor Day Weekend.
Q. Who won the most NASCAR races at Darlington?
A. David Pearson holds the record as the most successful driver at Darlington Raceway with 10 victories, the most by any competitor in NASCAR history at the track. He remains the only driver to achieve double-digit Cup Series wins there, with Dale Earnhardt Sr. following closely behind with nine victories.
