NASCAR BGN: Larry Pearson Liked Going Home to Darlington

3 March 1999

SPARTANBURG, S.C. --- Ask Larry Pearson what his favorite track is and he will immediately say, Darlington. For many reasons, Darlington is a special place to Pearson.

The Pearson name is legendary at the South Carolina track, due mainly to the record of his father, NASCAR Winston Cup Champion David Pearson. My father has won 11 times at Darlington, Pearson said. He has more wins than any other Winston Cup driver at that track. Ive had two pole positions and one win there, so Darlington will always be a favorite of the Pearson family.

Next on Pearsons list of reasons to love Darlington Raceway is that its only an 2 hour drive from home.

I consider Darlington to be my hometown track, Pearson said. I grew up and still reside in Spartanburg, S.C., where the Buckshot Racing shop is located. It is amazing how much support we get from the local South Carolinians. It is a great feeling.

Finally, Darlington holds many special memories for the Pearson family. Much more than just stories of races and visits to victory lane. My son, David, was born during the spring race in 1987, Pearson said. I was called out of the drivers meeting for a phone call. My wife phoned from the delivery room to tell me about the birth of our son. Needless to say, it was very hard to focus during that race. Afterwards, I was flown via helicopter to meet my wife and new baby. I cant say Ive ever had another weekend like that in my life.

Pearson also enjoys the challenge of Darlington and its reputation of being too tough too tame.

I believe winning at Darlington is more prestigious than winning at any other track, Pearson said. My win here means more to me than any other win because Darlington is a drivers track. You have to beat the track as well as the other competitors. This place has beat me more than Ive beat it, but I feel the odds are in my favor for this weekend.

Pearson and the Buckshot Racing team feel they have the home field advantage over the rest of the competitors for the Diamond Hill Plywood 200.