Rebel 400

Lore & Background

The race began as a 100-mile event in May 1952, but did not become a regular NASCAR event until 1957 as a 300-mile Convertible Division race known as the Rebel 300. It expanded to 400 miles in 1966, to 500 miles in 1973, and back to 400 miles in 1994. The race was dropped after 2004 as part of a schedule realignment, but returned in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic as The Real Heroes 400. In 2021, it became a permanent second Cup date held on Mother's Day, with Goodyear as title sponsor.

Reader's Guide

The race is held at Darlington Raceway, a 1.366-mile oval. The event is 400 miles (293 laps). Notable winners include Dale Earnhardt (who won in 1987 and 1990, among other years), David Pearson, Darrell Waltrip, and Kevin Harvick. The 2020 race was held without fans due to the pandemic.

Did You Know?

• The 1987 race saw Bill Elliott run out of fuel on the final lap, allowing Earnhardt to sweep by for the win.
• The 1990 race featured a massive accident between Ernie Irvan and Ken Schrader that injured Neil Bonnett.
• The 2003 race had the closest finish in NASCAR history at the time, with Ricky Craven beating Kurt Busch by 0.002 seconds.