Darlington Raceway may look unassuming, but the South Carolina track is so intimidating, it actually has two nicknames – the “Lady in Black” and the “Track Too Tough to Tame.” From its non-standard size (1.33 miles) to the unique egg-shaped configuration that makes both ends of the track completely different, Darlington is a challenge for drivers and crews. Add in pavement that likes to eat up tires, and the track's reputation becomes even more understandable.
Fortunately, there are a handful of drivers that always seem to run well at Darlington, and here are picks that can make setting your fantasy NASCAR roster for Darlington a whole lot easier.
Favorites at Darlington Raceway
1. Jeff Gordon – There are few drivers that have the Track too Tough to Tame figured out as well as Gordon – with seven career wins and an average finish of 11.3 throughout his long career, there is no question Jeff knows how to race Darlington effectively. Gordon’s recent results are just as impressive, with top-5 finishes in the last 6 Darlington races. Over the last five years, Jeff has spent 91.6% of his laps run here in the top-15 and has scored more championship points than any other driver. After another near-miss at Richmond, Gordon is in the perfect position for a win.
2. Jimmie Johnson – It must be a Hendrick Motorsports thing, because Johnson has been almost as good at Darlington as teammate Gordon. In addition to sweeping both races at the South Carolina track in 2004, Jimmie has also finished sixth or better in seven of his last eight races here, and his career average finish is an impressive 6.9. Johnson has been great all season, and after losing the points lead to Kevin Harvick at Richmond, he will be looking to take it right back.
3. Greg Biffle – Roush Racing is usually strong at Darlington, and The Biff has led the way for them the past few seasons. Biffle won back-to-back races in 2005 and 2006, his driver rating over the past five years of 123.1 leads all active drivers. Greg has scored top-10 finishes in three of his last five here, and that number would probably have been higher if a blown engine didn’t ruin his chances from the pole in 2008. Biffle has led an astounding 30.4% of the laps run at Darlington over the past five races, so bet on him being near the pointy end of the field in the closing laps.
Safe Picks for a Solid Darlington Finish
1. Denny Hamlin – Hamlin has never won at the 1.33 mile oval, but it is only a matter of time before he does; in his five career races at Darlington, Denny has an average finish of 8.0, led the second highest number of laps (Biffle is first), and has never finished lower than 13th. After finishing a somewhat disappointing 11th at Richmond, Hamlin will be looking to rebound, and should run well.
2. Ryan Newman – Like Hamlin, Newman has never won at Darlington, but his record here is still impressive. Ryan has finished sixth or better in five of his last seven races at the Lady in Black, and his Average Running Position here over the past five years is 10.924, so he is typically near the front of the field. Ryan has been running particularly well at one-mile tracks – with a win in Phoenix and an 8th at Richmond – and that success should translate to a good run at Darlington.
3. Kyle Busch – The Shrub got back to his winning ways at Richmond, and there is no reason to think he will not be a contender at Darlington, as well. The younger Busch brother has suffered a little bit of bad luck here in the past, and that is reflected in an average career finish of 20.4, but he is fourth in laps-led here over the past 5 seasons, has spent 78.6% of his laps in the top-15 and has top-10 finishes in two of his last four races – including a win in 2008. Like Newman, Kyle has been strong at mile tracks this season, and he is currently on a tear, with four-straight top-10 finishes – ride out the hot streak and start him.
Darlington Underdogs
1. Martin Truex, Jr. – Truex is not the first driver one would associate with Darlington, but he presents a solid value for the money in salary leagues. Martin’s average finish of 11.2 over his four races here is impressive when you consider his average start has been 25.5. In addition, Truex has led 72 laps at Darlington, and scored the same amount of championship points here in his four races as Kurth Busch, Jamie McMurray and Kevin Harvick have scored in their last five. Truex finished 6th last year at Darlington, and has never finished lower than 14th.
2. Joey Logano – Logano had a fantastic debut at Darlington last season – starting fifth and finishing ninth, as well ass leading 19 laps. Joey struggled a bit at Richmond, but had a strong 10th one the one-mile oval at Phoenix, and after dropping out of the Top-12 in the points, he will be looking to get back in the Chase picture this weekend.
3. Brad Keselowski – Like Logano, Keselowski turned a few heads in his Darlington debut – finishing seventh after starting a distant 31st. His aggressive style is suited to this type of track, and if he can stay out of trouble, Brad could again be a factor at the South Carolina track. Keselowski has felt more comfortable of late in his new ride at Penske, with finishes of 16th or better in five of his last six races. He could be a good value start at Darlington.
Darlington is one of those places that draw a clear line between the teams that have the track figured out and those that do not. If you stick with drivers that have a strong history here, you give your fantasy NASCAR roster a better chance of winning.
Todd Butts - Coming from the world of newspaper and radio, I have been covering NASCAR and other motorsports for over 8 years. I started as the host ...
