DARLINGTON, S.C. – NASCAR will not be as you remember it when racing returns at old egg-shaped Darlington Raceway.
There will be no elaborate infield tailgates, inflatable pools or hundreds of American flags that fly above the campers. The grandstands will be empty gray rows, no spectators allowed.
Darius Rucker will perform a virtual version of the national anthem, Fox Sports will call the race remotely from a studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the victory lane celebration will be a muted affair void of high-fives and hugs.
Drivers don't have to shuttle between hospitality events to schmooze with sponsors, and their car owners aren't even expected to be at Sunday's race.