Over the past year, the Lady In Black – better known as Darlington Raceway – has received a face-lift. A new tunnel into the infield, new pavement around the track and new concrete pit stalls has the Lady looking better than she has in years.

Last week, crews from Hamlett Associates – a Climax, NC-based company – were putting the final touches on the new concrete pit stalls.

Chris Powell, an employee at Hamlett for twenty-three years explained their work had lasted between two and three months. The crews completed work on the new tunnels – both for cars and pedestrians – and the crash walls. They were finishing up work on pit road, as well as a major elevator project expected to last a few more weeks.

Steven Hussey, President of Hamlett Associates explained, “You are always under the gun with NASCAR.”

Hussey pointed out the elevator project on the front stretch was the most difficult task, but would most likely be completed in about a few more weeks.

Powell, a father who admittedly loves sports and coaches his sons looked around and said, “This is some history here, one of the oldest.”

Hussey was quick to agree with his co-worker, “It’s great to see them working on the old track.”

The work going into Darlington Raceway has turned this old speedway into a jewel once again. Carl Edwards described the paving job as “smooth as glass” and racing promises to be as good as ever at the track “Too Tough To Tame”.

Without hard workers like Powell and Hussey, this renovation would have never taken place, all so the Hardcore Race Fans out there can enjoy a great race at a great facility.