NASCAR: The one throwback paint scheme we have to wait for
By Asher Fair
Darlington Raceway’s “throwback” NASCAR weekend is scheduled for May this year, but we’ll have to wait until September before we see one notable throwback paint scheme.
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season was the first since the 2004 season during which Darlington Raceway hosted more than one race, and that was not initially the plan.
The four-turn, 1.366-mile (2.198-kilometer) egg-shaped oval in Darlington, South Carolina was slated to host its annual Southern 500 in September, but the coronavirus pandemic led to it actually getting the opportunity to host two other races.
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Various cancellations stemming from COVID-19-related restrictions led to Darlington Raceway becoming the host of the first two races back from the unexpected 10-week hiatus in May of last year. It then hosted the Southern 500 as scheduled in September to kick off the four-round, 10-race playoffs.
This season, the track is actually on the schedule twice for the first time in 17 years.
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The track is scheduled to host the 293-lap Goodyear 400 on Sunday, May 9 as well as the 367-lap Cook Out Southern 500 on Sunday, September 5.
Southern 500 race weekend had been “throwback weekend” over the last few seasons, but NASCAR changed that for this year with the additional race at Darlington Raceway. Instead, most teams and drivers are set to run throwback paint schemes in the race at the track “Too Tough To Tame” this Sunday afternoon.
But there is one notable throwback paint scheme that we’ll have to wait for.
Wood Brothers Racing will not be running a throwback paint scheme on their #21 Ford for Matt DiBenedetto in this Sunday afternoon’s race, as they plan to do what they’ve done in recent years and save it for the September race.
Team senior vice president and co-owner Jon Wood explained the team’s decision, noting that there is no rule prohibiting them from doing what they plan to do.
DiBenedetto won’t have a throwback scheme next weekend at Darlington. Will do one in the fall (NASCAR has made May its “throwback” weekend for industry. Gives May event an identity and allows focus on playoff opener — and sponsors using regular schemes — Labor Day weekend). https://t.co/o3HZ80tOSm
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 30, 2021
With this weekend being the official throwback weekend, however, Goodyear is giving fans the chance to win some cool prizes.
With NASCAR Throwback Weekend @TooToughToTame coming up, #NASCAR fans can win a select run of exclusive throwback-inspired prizes through the Goodyear 400 Sweepstakes from now through 5/18. Prizes include Blue Streak Tires, Retro Victory Lane Hats and Vintage Race Posters. pic.twitter.com/yPWU0NU9hM
— Beyond the Flag (@Beyond_The_Flag) May 4, 2021
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Tune in to Fox Sports 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET this Sunday, May 9 for the live broadcast of the Goodyear 400 from Darlington Raceway.