Marriage NASCAR style shapes up to be a winner

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Apparently, getting married at Darlington Raceway is a popular idea.

Track spokeswoman Cathy Mock says the raceway sold out all its available wedding packages for the Southern 500 next month a week after announcing them.

Mock wouldn't say how many couples will tie the knot at the historic track Aug. 31, only that nuptials will start at 8 a.m. and run through noon, when pre-race activities begin. She said there would be about 20 to 30 minutes between services.

Mock came up with the idea as something quirky for NASCAR's first superspeedway.

In past years, "The Track Too Tough To Tame" routinely got calls about its availability for weddings.

"This year, we decided to give it a try," track president Andrew Gurtis said. "The response has been overwhelming, to put it mildly."

Wedding packages cost $100 and include admission to the Winston Cup race.

Couples will get married Sunday morning by a justice of the peace in Victory Lane only hours before the final Labor Day weekend Southern 500 champion arrives.

Instead of a reception, they'll have passes to stroll through the busy pit area for the first time as husband and wife. And what newlyweds wouldn't trade candlesticks and place settings for the commemorative embroidered Darlington caps they'll receive?

The first couple walking down Victory Lane will be Craig Norrell and Lesa Russell from Troup, Texas, the track said.

Darlington's not the first stop on the NASCAR circuit to serve as a combo church and reception hall.

Bristol Motor Speedway had 12 happy couples exchange vows -- all with Winston Cup driver Jerry Nadeau serving as best man -- before watching the Sharpie 500 last August. Bristol spokesman Ben Trout says they have at least 10 couples ready for ceremonies next month.

Daytona USA bills its "Victory Lane Weddings" as "An Elegant Atmosphere in a Legendary Location" and offers them throughout the year, according to its Web site.

Couples are driven to Daytona International Speedway's Victory Lane in an official pace car. They receive, among other things, commemorative champagne glasses, a certificate, T-shirts and hats.

It might be hard for some to understand the appeal of getting married with the smell of gas fumes and the earsplitting sounds of Winston Cup engines. But Gurtis says Darlington obviously holds a special significance for fans -- especially a few who'll share their wedding day with about 60,000 others.

"We are honored that so many of our guests want to exchange their vows at Darlington Raceway," he said. "We look forward to making this package even bigger and better in 2004."