Does anyone know how far it is to a nice beach from Darlington? Is it possible to stay on the coast and drive to Darlington for the race (if willing to do long drives and get little sleep)? Will the race (11-12 May 06) be spring break time?

Does anyone know what is available to eat/drink (bottled water or bottled anything not carbonated)? Are the restrooms nice, clean, accessible? Is there anywhere to get in the shade (don't care if not in view of race) and rest for a while?

Thanks for any and all information or tips on the race.

darlingtonraceway.com

Not spring break. An hour and a half to Myrtle Beach.
Traffic is AWFUL on race days.
There is not a tree in sight of the raceway.
Not a NASCAR fan, just go through Darlington a number of times a year going to the beach.

Gretchen is right. Also, consider that May 12 is the beginning of the Harley Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, so you'll be trading the thunder of the speedway for the thunder of Ocean Blvd.

One possible alternative if you're dead set on staying at the beach is to stay well south of MB, perhaps at Litchfield Resort (you still are going to have very heavy traffic getting to & from Darlington though).

I think Litchfield would be a good option. Traffic is not that terrible at Darlington. We got in and out easier there than CA Speedway and Lowes in Charlotte. www.litchfieldrental.com