Governor McMaster to serve as Honorary Pace Car Rider for Cook Out Southern 500

Darlington Raceway announced today that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Rider for Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500. McMaster, a longtime supporter of NASCAR and Darlington Raceway, will participate in pre-race ceremonies before climbing in the passenger seat of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse that will lead the field to green for one of the sport’s crown jewel events and the opening race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase.

“Governor McMaster has been an unwavering supporter of NASCAR and Darlington Raceway, and we are honored to have him lead the field to green for the Cook Out Southern 500,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “His support of our sport and our track goes far beyond being a fan. His leadership and commitment made it possible for NASCAR to become the first major professional sport to return to competition following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We are incredibly grateful for everything Governor McMaster has done for NASCAR, Darlington Raceway, and the state of South Carolina.”

McMaster’s role in the history of Darlington Raceway, NASCAR and the greater sports world cannot be overstated. As the world dealt with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation was at a standstill, McMaster worked alongside NASCAR officials, public health experts and state and local leaders to create the environment that allowed Darlington Raceway to host NASCAR’s first race following the sport’s nearly two-month shutdown.

The Real Heroes 400 on May 17, 2020, marked NASCAR’s return to live competition and was the first professional sports event in the United States after the pandemic brought the sports world to a halt. That race marked a defining moment in Darlington Raceway’s storied history, as the Track Too Tough to Tame paved the way for the broader return of professional sports.

The “Lady in Black” is ready to take center stage again as the NASCAR Chase begins at Darlington Raceway on Labor Day Weekend. On Saturday, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase begins with the Fleetio 200. That sets the table for Sunday night’s Cook Out Southern 500 as the best drivers in the world vie for the highly coveted Johnny Mantz Trophy.

Tickets are going fast, so fans are encouraged to act now to secure their seats and experiences while supplies last at www.darlingtonraceway.com.