First off, Darlington is probably my favorite track on the schedule. The racing is consistently amazing, and it really rewards hard driving. And with the extensive history of the track, it's the perfect backdrop for an event like this.
But personally, the throwback weekend is super important to me. I'm in my late 30s now, and I grew up watching the races every Sunday with my Dad. To this day, I try to carve out a day to watch at least one of the Busch or Cup races with him each weekend.
My dad had a brain injury in 2015 that's robbed him of a lot. He has difficulty with speech, really bad aphasia, and difficulty holding onto recently formed memories; but weirdly, his mind for all older memories is still remarkably sharp. As a result of that, the throwback race consistently produces some of the best and sharpest conversations I get to have with my dad.
Seeing all the cars from the 90s and 00s, he's able to bring up memories and feel reconnected to the sport in a way he's just incapable of every other week of the year. It always seems to brighten him up and give him a little bit more focus, similar to the way old music does. It's really a special thing to see him perk up and have the mental focus and energy to really enjoy it
It makes me feel a little bit like I've got my dad back, the way he was.