DARLINGTON, S.C. (WBTW) -- April in South Carolina means NASCAR competition, as the Xfinity and Cup Series return for the first of two races during the 2025 season. Here are four things to know headed into race weekend. First, the track is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Opening in 1950, it' s the second-oldest active venue on the Cup Series, just behind Martinsville. The inspiration for Darlington's egg shape is from a local. "You think all the way back to Harold Brasington, who had the vision to build Darlington Raceway. After going to Indy in the 1930s, he wanted to build a racetrack to host stock car racing in South Carolina, in his hometown of Darlington," Raceway President Josh Harris said. "It took a lot of creativity to get the land and the funds to build the racetrack, but his vision came to life in 1950." Second, it's NASCAR's annual throwback weekend, which means many of the drivers will have completely different looking cars, each paying tribute to the sport's history. Kyle Larson is modeling the 2003 Kellogg's cereal car that Terry Labonte drove to victory. "For the teams that buy into it, it touches on the past, and some of the paint schemes that have helped build the foundation of our sport," Larson said. "Thankfully, with us and Hendrick Motorsports, there is a lot of iconic schemes and moments throughout our history that we can go back on." Third, Darlington will also host the first playoff race on Aug. 31 with the Southern 500, so this weekend is a chance for drivers to get a feel for the slick track and worn-down pavement that loves eating through tires. "It's just such a driver's racetrack. The driver plays its role everywhere," said NASCAR Series Cup Driver Danny Hamlin. "Everywhere there, we have tons of pit stops. The pit crew gets to shine every time we go to Darlington." And finally, let's rewind to a year ago, when veteran Brad Keselowski took the Goodyear 400 on Mother's Day- his only win of the season and the first time back in victory lane in Darlington since a 2018 Southern 500 triumph. "It's just a tough, tough track. You have to be perfect with the car, the placement, the brakes, the throttle, how smooth you are, and how all that comes together is real special," he said. ...read more read less