In May 2020, NASCAR made a triumphant return to racing after a 10-week hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The setting was Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, but this race was unlike any other. The grandstands were eerily empty, devoid of cheering fans, and the usual tailgating festivities were absent. However, the engines roared to life, and the drivers were ready to compete in NASCAR’s first race back.
The grandstands were completely devoid of spectators. No cheers, no applause—just the sound of engines echoing through the empty seats.Everyone inside the track wore face coverings. Some sported team-logo masks, while others opted for plain disposable medical masks. Kevin Harvick, driving for Stewart-Haas Racing, emerged as the winner. He beat Alex Bowman to claim victory in the 400-mile race.
He won the first race back in 2020. @KevinHarvick remembers a very strange day at Darlington. @KaitlynVincie | @MambaSmith34 | #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/zv5oZiEW1t
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) May 9, 2024
In a recent episode of his podcast ‘Harvick Happy Hour,’ Kevin Harvick vividly recounted the peculiar sensations of a particular race day. Reflecting on the absence of fans, he described the surreal moment when he emerged from his car after securing a victory, only to find his voice echoing across the empty track, highlighting the profound absence of the usual crowd atmosphere.
Harvick also reminisced about the unusual procedures implemented on the track that day, recalling the meticulous temperature checks and the requirement for drivers to bring their own helmets and gloves. These deviations from the norm underscored the unique circumstances surrounding the event, evoking a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty as Harvick revisited the memories of that memorable day.
Kevin Harvick after the Odd race day
The event was named “The Real Heroes 400” and dedicated to healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic. The names of these heroes replaced the drivers’ names above the car doors. Harvick later remarked, “I didn’t think it was going to be that different, but it’s dead silent out here. We miss the fans.” The absence of fan noise was palpable.
The grandstands were completely devoid of spectators. No cheers, no applause—just the sound of engines echoing through the empty seats. Kevin Harvick’s victory at Darlington Raceway symbolized resilience, determination, and the spirit of racing even in challenging times.
