updated 3:59 p.m. ET Nov. 13, 2004

DARLINGTON, S.C. - The end of another Southern NASCAR tradition concludes this week with the 55th and final running of the Southern 500.

What was once considered an untouchable crown jewel of the sport ends in fall temperatures, nowhere near the humid, 100-degree days that marked its Labor Day weekend spot on racing’s schedule.

Now, NASCAR higher ups are downsizing Darlington. Already robbed of its longtime end-of-summer race, Darlington will host only one event next year — on Mother’s Day weekend in May.

Still, officials believe in Darlington’s long-term viability. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter says a lighting project that debuted Saturday night with the Darlington 200 Craftsman Truck Series race could be the start of a new, vibrant era for the aging track.

“I really think that could do it,” said Hunter, who pushed to light up Darlington during his nine years as track president.

Hunter says the area will perk up with the excitement of Nextel Cup racing at night. Evidence says he’s right. About 15,000 fans turned out in August when Darlington held a nighttime exhibition. There were at least that many waiting in the main grandstand before the trucks’ race was postponed Friday due to rain.

“People have been really excited about it,” Darlington president Chris Browning said.

Browning has heard the disappointment and anger of area fans over losing a race at Darlington. He understands, but says those concerned need to focus on what remains.

“Hey, a lot of states don’t even have one race,” Browning said. “We’ve got to work on keeping the one we have.”

For that, Browning says the racetrack needs to sell out its May race as soon as possible. Coupled with what Browning thinks will be a close-to-sold-out Southern 500 finale, NASCAR officials will have a solid case to increase the 60,000-seat capacity and improve much-needed suites and hospitality areas.

Browning plans an all-out blitz on area businesses, legislators and merchants between now and next spring to underscore Darlington’s importance. The most recent studies showed Darlington’s two NASCAR races brought in about $50 million to the region.

Half that is better than none, Browning says.

Browning would know. He spent 12 years at North Carolina Speedway — called “The Rock” — and watched that track go from two races a year to no NASCAR racing of any kind in 2005.