Darlington Raceway will play host to its annual NASCAR Throwback Weekend, but this year is a bit different thanks to the weekend it falls on.
With Sunday’s race being Mother’s Day, Spire Motorsports and Justin Haley are combing the two events together with a special paint scheme, honoring Robert Pressley.
The No. 77 will replicate the same car that Pressley drove for Penske-Jasper Racing in 2001.
“The Jasper car stood out at a lot of places,” said Pressley. “I think the fans really enjoy seeing those old paint schemes because they bring back some memories. I’m not saying that’s when the real racing was, but one thing we can all agree on – through the late ‘90s and early 2000s, we packed every grandstand we went to, so somebody was doing something right back in that era. I really feel fortunate that I got to race during the heyday of NASCAR. The Pettys, the Pearsons, Yarboroughs and Allisons built the foundation for us and it seemed like we were the ones who capitalized off of it.”
A Throwback and Mother’s Day! @Justin_Haley_ | @FOEGrandAerie pic.twitter.com/p4BXUSsQ8P
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) April 29, 2021
Even more significant about the design is the hood and decklid, which will feature the names of hundreds of mothers that were gathered between sponsor Fraternal Order Of Eagles, and Spire Motorsports.
“I’m stoked about the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day at Darlington with the support of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and pair that with a really awesome Robert Pressley throwback paint scheme,” said Haley. “Darlington is such an iconic race track and to this day, still lives up to both of its famous nicknames. You can call it ‘Too Tough To Tame’ or the ‘Lady in Black’ but those nicknames apply the same today as they did back in the ‘60s. The layout is so unique and the speeds are just incredible. it’s an intimidating place but I’ve run pretty good at Darlington all three times I’ve raced the Xfinity car there.”
The scheme, sponsor, and day even have an interesting backstory.
It was 1904 when Fraternal Order Of Eagles Past Grand Worthy President Frank E. Hering made a public plea for a day to recognize mothers everywhere. Just a decade later, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation that brought the idea, into reality. The group also participates in Mother’s Day traditions, such as buying flowers, writing cards, and preparing brunch to show appreciation to mothers everywhere.
“The F.O.E. is incredibly proud to continue our relationship with Spire Motorsports by honoring Mothers around the world at Darlington,” said Dave Smith, F.O.E. Grand Worthy President. “As proud founders of Mother’s Day, we’re grateful to have this opportunity to share our history and continue to work with the amazing people at Spire who shares our values and commitment to service.”
The Indiana driver is balancing both Xfinity, and Cup Series efforts in 2021, racing for the Xfinity championship and part-time in Cup with Spire. He placed 24th as his best finish of 2021 in Cup twice at the Daytona Road Course, and Phoenix. Next weekend will be his first time attacking Darlington in a Cup Series car.
Fans can see the No. 77 Camaro hit the track on Sunday, May 9th at 3:30 PM EST on FOX Sports 1 and the FOX Sports app.
