Darlington unveils new Johnny Mantz trophy

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- The winner of the 2009 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway will be the recipient of a very special piece of hardware -- the Johnny Mantz Southern 500 trophy.

Named after inaugural Southern 500 winner Johnny Mantz, the new trophy replaces the crystal palmetto tree that was used since Darlington began running on Mother's Day weekend in 2005. The four-tiered trophy stands approximately 3 feet tall, weighs nearly 40 pounds and features engraved photos of all 43 past Darlington winners.

"Drivers always talk about adding their name to the list of winners at Darlington Raceway and now winners will have their name and image permanently etched in Darlington history on the Johnny Mantz Southern 500 trophy," Darlington president Chris Browning said. "Naming the trophy after Johnny Mantz helps connect the history and tradition of Darlington to today's NASCAR and I know that the winner of this year's event will be honored to have a prominent place in Darlington history."

Longtime Darlington ticket holder Kent Lewis came up with the design concept for the trophy. The trophy was created by American Trophy in Florence, S.C., and following the 2009 Southern 500 will be placed in the Darlington Raceway Museum year-round for fans to view.

In 2009, Darlington Raceway or the track Too Tough to Tame, as it is known to many, celebrates 60 seasons. Tickets to the 2009 Southern 500, as well as the Nationwide Series Diamond Hill Plywood 200 can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at http://www.darlingtonraceway.com/tickets/.

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