Check Out These Eerie Photos From NASCAR’s Fan-Less Race At Darlington

by Dakota Randall | May 18, 2020 | 3 Min Read

The Real Heroes 400 was unlike any other race in NASCAR history.

Held at a fan-less Darlington Raceway with drivers and crews all wearing protective masks, the first Cup Series race since March 8 offered an eerie motorsports respite amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in its own strange way, the Real Heroes 400 — which Kevin Harvick won in dominating fashion — provided some of the most NASCAR images you’ll ever see.

Check these out:

Empty parking lot outside Darlington Raceway (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Social distancing guidelines posted outside Darlington Raceway (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Ryan Newman crew member pulling gas cans before Real Heroes 400 (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Clint Bowyer’s car pushed through infield before the Real Heroes 400 (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

What do you think?  Leave a comment.

Michael McDowell walks to his car before start of Real Heroes 400 (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Kyle Busch standing by his car during playing of national anthem ( Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Drivers approach starting line in front of empty stands at Darlington (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Drivers pass by empty stands during Real Heroes 400 (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Kevin Harvick wearing mask in victory lane after winning Real Heroes 400 (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images)

Kevin Harvick celebrates in victory lane (Brynn Anderson/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network Images

Fans can expect more of the same Wednesday night when drivers compete in the Darlington 500K, which will be followed by Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. That’s right: three Cup races in seven days.

Racing certainly is back, for better or for worse.

More Motorsports: Why Dale Earnhardt Jr. Felt Uplifted By NASCAR’s Return At Darlington

About the Author

Dakota Randall

Plymouth State/Boston University product from Wolfeboro, NH, who now is based in Rhode Island. Have worked at NESN since 2016, covering the Patriots since 2021. Might chat your ear off about Disney World, Halo 2, and Lord of the Rings.

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