“Too Tough To Tame”

An egg-shaped, steep-banked 1.366 mile racetrack isn’t the only thing that’s “Too Tough to Tame” in South Carolina.

There’s reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.

Economic development.

A 21st century government.

The bar exam (for graduates of one particular law school, at least).

And don’t get us started on college football. That’s been way too tough to tame for at least one Palmetto State school.

But today, the eyes of the world … or at least the cross-eyes of rednecks … are all on the track that’s too tough to tame.

We’re talking about Darlington Raceway, the “Lady in Black,” which is where today’s Sprint Cup Series Southern 500 race will be held.

The race, and the track, haven’t been at the top of NASCAR’s list lately, though.

In fact, it’s been five years since Darlington was stripped of its second Sprint Series race – and this year’s race marks the first Spring run of the Southern 500, which for years was held on Labor Day.

But drivers – and fans – love Darlington.

Kurt Busch calls Darlington racing’s “crown jewel.” Jeff Burton recently referred to it as the “centerpiece of our sport.”

So why has NASCAR given it such short shrift lately?

Well, they’re trying to expand the brand to places like California, which received Darlington’s second Sprint race five years ago.

“You weren’t selling out your races,” the NASCAR brass told the Palmetto State.

Really?

Well neither is the Auto Club Speedway, a venue which seats 91,000 fan but drew only 55,000 – and that’s a generous estimate – to its Sprint Cup race back in February.

Fortunately, Darlington has sold out four consecutive Mother’s Day races prior to this weekend, meaning its spot on the Sprint Circuit should be secure.

Let’s hope so.

South Carolina needs the revenue.

And while there’s a lot that’s “too tough to tame” in this state, finding 65,000 rednecks willing to attend two races a year shouldn’t be.

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