Darlington gets fresh coat of asphalt in improvements

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Engine noise could be heard coming from historic Darlington Raceway on Monday well in advance of the 2008 Dodge Challenger 500. The engine noise came not from racecars, but from construction equipment being used to lay the first of two layers of new asphalt at the track "Too Tough to Tame."

Darlington Raceway

"This is a historic day for Darlington Raceway," said Chris Browning, Darlington Raceway president. "It has been a busy offseason at Darlington Raceway and we look forward to showcasing our new racing surface and infield access tunnel for fans and competitors during the upcoming Dodge Challenger 500 weekend."

The new asphalt surface at Darlington Raceway is part of a $10 million dollar capital improvement project that began following the 2007 race last May. In addition to the new racing surface work is also under way to complete a new infield access tunnel large enough to accommodate racecar haulers, motorcoaches and emergency vehicles.

The Nationwide Series heads to Darlington Raceway on May 9 for the Diamond Hill Plywood 200, while the Sprint Cup Series will race on May 10 in the Dodge Challenger 500.