The last race at Darlington?
Monday update: Here are more Darlington memories, courtesy of the Winston-Salem Journal's Mike Mulhern. (reg. req.)
Mulhuen's take is more pragmatic: Few upgrades, even less marketing, poor local roads and a complete lack of amenities could seal Darlington's ultimate doom.
Original post:
That was the gist of the teaser on the front of today's USA Today.
The story, however, gives this answer: No. Probably not, anyway.
There's no doubt Darlington's future is tenuous. Its annual Labor Day weekend race was shipped west last year. This season, the track has only one date -- on the formerly sacrosanct Mother's Day weekend.
But all signs point to a strong racing weekend. The race is sold out, and fans are coming from every U.S. state but New Mexico and Hawaii.
About the only thing that would make Saturday night's race perfect would be a win by someone else other that Jimmie Johnson. Have to keep that points race close.
If you click through to the story, don't miss the box with Harold "Mr. Darlington" King's memory of the place. He recounts some of the good old tales, including the ones about the Blockhouse and Cale Yarborough's flight over the guard rail.