Finally, a Joe Gibbs Racing driver not named Christopher Bell has found his way to NASCAR Cup Series victory lane. Denny Hamlin scored his first win with his new crew chief Chris Gayle at Martinsville Speedway
As we move from the famed Paperclip, one of the most popular weekends on the NASCAR calendar is here. NASCAR throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway has become a fan favorite over the years. The throwback paint schemes are always a fun trip down memory lane for many fans who cling to the nostalgia of old. This weekend also marks the 75th anniversary of the legendary track.
Here’s who’ll be at the track this weekend.
Grand Marshals
The legendary Wood family, owners of Wood Brothers Racing, will serve as the grand marshals for Sunday’s Goodyear 400. WBR made its debut in the Cup Series in 1953 at their home track of Martinsville. The team has collected 101 race wins with drivers like David Pearson, Neil Bonnett, Cale Yarborough and most recently Josh Berry.
Honorary Pace Car Driver
Nineteen-time Cup winner Greg Biffle will serve as the honorary pace car driver for the Goodyear 400. Biffle, who stopped racing full time in NASCAR in 2016, is a former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and won Most Popular Driver in both series. In 2024, Biffle was named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list.
Honorary Starter
2025 NASCAR Hall of Famer Carl Edwards has been named the honorary starter for Sunday’s race. Edwards, a former Southern 500 winner, has won 28 times in NASCAR’s top series. He won the 2007 Xfinity championship and has finished runner-up in the Cup playoffs twice in both 2008 and 2011
Autograph Sessions
Friday, April 4:
Ross Chastain – Acceptance Insurance, 1231 S. Irby St. Suite C, Florence, SC 29505 4 p.m.
Saturday, April 5:
NASCAR Alumni Autograph Session 1/6 – NASCAR EXPERIENCE IN FAN ZONE 11 a.m. -Wristband Distribution 9:15-10:30 a.m.
NASCAR Alumni Autograph Session 2/6 – NASCAR EXPERIENCE IN FAN ZONE 12:10 p.m. -Wristband Distribution 10:40-12:10 p.m.
NASCAR Alumni Autograph Session 3/6 – NASCAR EXPERIENCE IN FAN ZONE 1:45 p.m. -Wristband Distribution 12:15-1:45 p.m.
Sunday, April 6:
John Hunter Nemechek – NASCAR Classics Merchandise Hauler 11 a.m.
NASCAR Alumni Autograph Session 4/6 – NASCAR EXPERIENCE IN FAN ZONE 11:35 a.m. -Wristband Distribution 10:15-11:35 a.m.
NASCAR Alumni Autograph Session 5/6 – NASCAR EXPERIENCE IN FAN ZONE 1 p.m. -Wristband Distribution 11:45-12:45 p.m.
NASCAR Alumni Autograph Session 6/6 – NASCAR EXPERIENCE IN FAN ZONE 1:50 p.m. -Wristband Distribution 12:50-1:35 p.m.
