How Prestigious is the Darlington Raceway Trophy in NASCAR History?

The Darlington Raceway has a bit of a reputation among NASCAR fans and the drivers. It is a race track that is steeped in history and tradition. It first opened all the way back in 1950 with the inaugural Southern 500, and it was the first paved oval track. Nearly 75 years later, the Darlington Raceway will play host to the first Playoff race of the 2023 Cup Series season. Naturally, this first race will be very fiercely fought.

The driver who had the honor of being the first winner was Johnny Mantz. Interestingly, it was actually very surprising that he won the now-iconic race. This was because his car was supposedly the slowest qualifier on the grid. In essence, Mantz literally embodied the spirit of ‘slow and steady wins the race’.

READ MORE: Watch: 50 Years Earlier, Cale Yarborough Shoved David “Silver Fox” Pearson for the Darlington Win

How did Mantz win that first race at the Darlington Raceway?

Apparently, he fitted a set of truck tires to his car, which was a bit of an advantage. This was because those tires were tough and durable. Owing to his unusual decision, it gave birth to the notion that the fastest driver is not necessarily the winner. In other words, strategy could also play a vital role in contributing to a win.

Incidentally, that win would be the only one in his racing career. In the span of four years in the sport, he only competed in 12 races, with that one win to his name. On the bright side, he did rack up eight Top 10 finishes in his Cup Series career. It is also worth mentioning that he competed in the Champ Car Series, picking up one win, and one Formula One race. Though if we’re being honest, this is actually a technicality, because this race was the Indianapolis 500.

Mantz’s iconic win has since been immortalized in NASCAR

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Ever since that solitary race win, Johnny Mantz has gone down in NASCAR history. In fact, the trophy is named in his honor, and every NASCAR driver worth his salt wants to win the Southern 500. The latest driver to earn the trophy is Erik Jones, but if we’re being honest, he might find it difficult this time around.

Of course, it all depends on the Playoff drivers and their ability to challenge for the race win. First and foremost, it all depends on how the drivers line up in qualifying and who survives the race.

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