NASCAR Cup Series

One of the most appealing things about NASCAR is that it seems to produce memorable moments every weekend and 2016 is no exception. Whether it be close finishes, lug-nut controversies, or rookies taking poles, the first half of this year has not failed in producing much excitement.

Who is the greatest country singer ever associated with NASCAR? There has been Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, Brooks and Dunn, Hank Williams Jr., Toby Keith, Cledus T. Judd, and lately Blake Shelton. That is a pretty impressive list of talent and it is far from complete. However, there is no question that the King of NASCAR Country was Marty Robbins.

2016 marks the second season of the great southern tradition’s return to Labor Day weekend. It also marks the second season of teams running “throwback” paint schemes to some of the sport’s most iconic cars throughout the years.

The legendary Darlington Raceway in South Carolina is the site of the next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stop, its 1.366-mile track -- opened in 1950 -- a once-a-year visit on the calendar of Michael Annett and his No 46 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet team.

Still striving for a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, current driver Ryan Blaney needs to find victory lane to keep his hopes alive for a title in his rookie season. A strong fourth-place showing in the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday proved the team has what it takes to run with the leaders.

Richard Petty Motorsports today announced competition changes to improve their on-track performance. Effectively immediately, Philippe Lopez and Scott McDougall will temporarily oversee all competition duties and roles previously held by Sammy Johns both at the track and at the race shop.

In 53 events at Darlington Raceway, Hendrick Motorsports has earned 14 wins, seven pole positions, 44 top-five finishes and 72 top-10s. Johnson most recently won at the historic track on May 12, 2012, to claim Hendrick Motorsports’ 200th Sprint Cup victory. Gordon leads all active drivers with seven wins, 19 top-five finishes, 23 top-10s, a 6.8 average start and 1,744 laps led at the 1.366-mile oval. Kahne leads all active drivers at the track with four pole positions. Johnson’s average finish of 9.1 ranks third-best among active drivers at Darlington.

“Darlington is one of my favorite tracks,” said Truex. “It’s such a fun place to race but at the same time, it is one of the most difficult tracks. You have to attack the track and put it on the edge every lap. In order to attack Darlington, you need to feel comfortable with the speed, downforce and grip or the track will grab you and put you into the wall. Though it has many challenges, Darlington is still an awesome track and there’s nothing like it.”

The AdvoCare Ford will have a different look this weekend as part of Darlington’s Tradition Continues as it will carry the same red, white and blue design as Mark Martin’s No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford did during the 1996 and 1997 NSCS seasons.

In memory of Kulwicki, Biffle’s No. 16 Hooters Ford Fusion will have “UNDERBIRD” across the nose of the car for the NASCAR Throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway. In 1992 Kulwicki changed his “THUNDERBIRD” to “UNDERBIRD” for the 1992 Hooters 500 season finale, as he was the underdog to win the Championship that season. Kulwicki overcame a 30-point deficit to become the 1992 Champion.