Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/65581
When the critters are cleared and the green flag flies, Pocono's triangular shape makes the car setup and the crew's ability to make chassis adjustments more crucial than at many other tracks. Drivers either love or hate Pocono. I've never been conflicted. It is definitely one of my favorites. Darlington: This track is a return to NASCAR's roots and one of the sport's legendary loops. Where to begin? How about its construction? The 1.25-mile speedway in what once was South Carolina cotton and peanut fields was supposed to be an oval, but the landowner didn't want his minnow pond disturbed. So he narrowed the west end of the track, giving it that unique egg shape. Its design is part of the reason Darlington is known as the "track too tough to tame." Every driver has left a Darlington stripe — or two, or more — of tire rubber on its walls, soon turning them black and lead- ing to the track's other nickname, "the Lady in Black." Not only is the track a challenge, it represents some of NASCAR's most enduring history. For many years, Darlington's Southern 500 was the fourth of the series' crown jewel races — and the track was the loca- tion for both legend Bill Elliott and legend-to-be Jeff Gordon's capturing the $1 million grand slam prize of years gone by. The Southern 500 used to be run on Labor Day weekend. And even though NASCAR has sacrificed that tradition, Darlington is worth a visit any time of the year to get a feel for old-school NASCAR. "You never forget your first love, whether it's a high school sweet- heart, a faithful old hunting dog or a fickle racetrack in South Carolina with a contrary disposition," said Dale Earnhardt Sr. Hey, I'm not going to argue with a seven-time NASCAR Cup cham- pion; are you? Go to Darlington and experience the real NASCAR spirit yourself. Track itinerary: The Darlington date for the 2011 Sprint Cup season has passed; the race was run in May. But you have plenty of time to ar- range an early summer 2013 visit to the Lady in Black. You still can make this year's races at my two other favorite tracks. Pocono gets two races a year. You'll have to act fast to catch the June 10 race, or you can wait for the second one on Aug. 5. And the track lights will shine on Bristol Aug. 25. Have fun! Kay Bell is an Austin, Texas-based writer. When she's not yelling at her television during NASCAR races, she writes about financial topics and blogs about taxes at Don't Mess With Taxes (www.dontmesswithtaxes.typepad.com). Circle 302 on Reader Service Card or visit truckersnews.hotims.com JUNE 2012 | TRUCKERS NEWS | 21