Griffin Motors Racing

10/10/2026

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72 YEARS AGO TODAY: BUCK BAKER PUT ON A SHOW IN ARKANSAS

October 10, 1954 — Hall of Famer Buck Baker absolutely dominated at Memphis-Arkansas Speedway, a 1.5-mile dirt track in LeHi, Arkansas.

Driving for car owner Bob Griffin, Baker finished an astonishing five laps ahead of runner-up Dick Rathman to score a commanding NASCAR victory.

The numbers tell just how big the day was. The total purse was $10,950, making it the second-largest race purse of the 1954 season, trailing only the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Baker and Griffin collected $2,750 for the victory — serious money in 1954.
Baker would go on to become one of NASCAR's early stars and eventually earned two NASCAR premier series championships, in 1956 and 1957. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2013.

Before superspeedways, million-dollar purses and massive television audiences, NASCAR's stars were battling on dirt tracks like Memphis-Arkansas Speedway — and on this day, Buck Baker left absolutely no doubt who was in control.

For the longtime NASCAR history fans: how many of you remember Buck Baker's incredible early career?



Photo: NASCAR Archives & Research Center via Getty Images

09/02/2026

GOVERNOR MCMASTER TO SERVE AS HONORARY
PACE CAR RIDER FOR COOK OUT SOUTHERN 500!

Darlington Raceway announced today that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Rider for Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500. McMaster, a longtime supporter of NASCAR and Darlington Raceway, will participate in pre-race ceremonies before climbing in the passenger seat of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse that will lead the field to green for one of the sport’s crown jewel events and the opening race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase.

“Governor McMaster has been an unwavering supporter of NASCAR and Darlington Raceway, and we are honored to have him lead the field to green for the Cook Out Southern 500,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “His support of our sport and our track goes far beyond being a fan. His leadership and commitment made it possible for NASCAR to become the first major professional sport to return to competition following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We are incredibly grateful for everything Governor McMaster has done for NASCAR, Darlington Raceway, and the state of South Carolina.”

McMaster’s role in the history of Darlington Raceway, NASCAR and the greater sports world cannot be overstated. As the world dealt with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation was at a standstill, McMaster worked alongside NASCAR officials, public health experts and state and local leaders to create the environment that allowed Darlington Raceway to host NASCAR’s first race following the sport’s nearly two-month shutdown.

The Real Heroes 400 on May 17, 2020, marked NASCAR’s return to live competition and was the first professional sports event in the United States after the pandemic brought the sports world to a halt. That race marked a defining moment in Darlington Raceway’s storied history, as the Track Too Tough to Tame paved the way for the broader return of professional sports.

The “Lady in Black” is ready to take center stage again as the NASCAR Chase begins at Darlington Raceway on Labor Day Weekend. On Saturday, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase begins with the Fleetio 200. That sets the table for Sunday night’s Cook Out Southern 500 as the best drivers in the world vie for the highly coveted Johnny Mantz Trophy.

Tickets are going fast, so fans are encouraged to act now to secure their seats and experiences while supplies last at www.darlingtonraceway.com.

09/01/2026

08/28/2026

08/23/2026

07/03/2026

1976- Bill France Sr. respects international racing and represents with 2 cars.

100yr anniversary of & represent with THE car in 2023.

50yr anniversary 1976-2026 a full field of American V8 Thunder will race . Proud to represent 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🏁