The upcoming Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, March 22, 2026, will be highlighted by the presence of Kurt Busch and Harry Gant—both set to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame that year—as co-Grand Marshals. This selection brings together two celebrated drivers from differing generations of the sport to give the iconic command to start engines during Darlington Raceway’s NASCAR Alumni Weekend.
Honoring Racing Legends at Darlington Raceway
Busch’s storied career is characterized by fierce competitiveness, adaptability, and top-level achievements, including the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Championship and 34 Cup Series victories. One of his most memorable moments unfolded at Darlington in 2003, where Busch finished just .002 seconds behind Ricky Craven in a thrilling battle that remains one of the closest endings in NASCAR Cup Series history.
Harry Gant, a beloved figure in NASCAR during the 1980s and 1990s, accumulated 18 Cup Series wins and is famously nicknamed “Handsome Harry” and “Mr. September.” At 51, Gant began a four-race winning streak in 1991 by claiming victory at Darlington, further connecting his legacy to the iconic track known as “The Lady in Black.”
“Much like Goodyear’s legacy in NASCAR spans generations, these two legends represent more than four decades of excellence,”
— Josh Harris, Darlington Raceway President
“Their incredible careers and deep connections to this historic track make them the perfect choices to give the command for one of the most anticipated and exciting races of the NASCAR Cup Series season.”
— Josh Harris, Darlington Raceway President
Special Fan Events Planned During NASCAR Alumni Weekend
Throughout the NASCAR Alumni Weekend, both Busch and Gant will engage with fans through a variety of special activities. These events offer enthusiasts rare opportunities to interact with and celebrate drivers whose achievements played a key role in shaping the history of NASCAR, enhancing the overall excitement surrounding the Goodyear 400.
Weekend Schedule Features Top NASCAR Series Events
The festivities at Darlington begin on Friday, March 20, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ Buckle Up South Carolina. Saturday, March 21, brings the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200, giving fans back-to-back days of high-level racing. The main event arrives on Sunday, March 22, when leading Cup Series drivers will vie for glory in the Goodyear 400, hoping to join the track’s esteemed list of winners.
Tickets for the Goodyear 400 and its supporting events are selling quickly, and fans interested in attending are encouraged to make their purchases soon at DarlingtonRaceway.com.
About Darlington Raceway and Its Significance
Since opening in 1950, Darlington Raceway has earned recognition as NASCAR’s original superspeedway, famous for its challenging 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval and monikers such as “The Lady in Black” and
“The Track Too Tough To Tame.”
Annually, Darlington hosts two Cup Series weekends, with additional events from the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Its storied Southern 500 race and enduring place in American motorsports history make Darlington both a destination and landmark for fans and drivers alike.
NASCAR: The Governing Body Behind the Action
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), based in Daytona Beach, Florida, stands as the sanctioning authority for America’s leading motorsports series. NASCAR organizes three national series, oversees four international contests (including series in Canada, Brazil, Europe, and Mexico), and manages numerous regional events. With facilities across more than 30 U.S. states and races held in 11 countries, NASCAR’s reach is matched by its rich tradition, which events like the Goodyear 400 help to celebrate.
Looking Ahead at the Impact of This Year’s Goodyear 400
The selection of Kurt Busch and Harry Gant as co-Grand Marshals marks a celebration of the enduring legacy and evolving story of NASCAR at the iconic Darlington track. With the Hall of Fame induction on the horizon for both drivers, the Goodyear 400 will serve as a tribute to their careers and as inspiration for current and future competitors. Their participation is expected to heighten fan anticipation and solidify the 2026 race weekend as a landmark occasion in NASCAR’s ongoing narrative.
