NASCAR races are always filled with “thrill of victory and agony of defeat” moments, and “Fast Lane: The NASCAR Photography of Darryl Moran,” the newest exhibition opening at the Upcountry History Museum-Furman University, a Smithsonian Affiliate, on Saturday, September 3, 2022, offers a look at many of those moments in exclusive images taken by NASCAR’s first official photographer.
Whether in the excitement of green flag starts, the energy of the pit crews, or the emotion at checkered flag finishes, this self-taught artist captured race-day highs, lows, and everything in between during the mid-1990s as he made his way through infields to grandstands across the United States carrying his cameras, multiple lenses, batteries, and media cards knowing his job was to photograph all aspects of races from numerous vantage points. In capturing the interaction of drivers such as Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Terry Labonte, Rusty Wallace, or Mark Martin, the spirit of their pit crews, as well as special moments with fans and family, Moran delivers an insider’s view of a typical weekend of NASCAR races.
And though NASCAR formed in 1948, racing legends drove their way into Upstate lore years before. At Greenville-Pickens Speedway, Spartanburg Interstate Fairgrounds and Hub City Tracks, and even the “lost” Greenville Air Base Speedway, drivers rounded these dirt tracks and beyond as the sport of stock car racing grew in popularity. “Fast Lane” will showcase some of these tracks, the local drivers, and the history that helped make NASCAR what it is today.
This one-of-a-kind exhibition will also kick off in style on opening day Sept. 3 with a “Live Remote” featuring JD “The Stoneman” Stone of WROQ Classic Rock 101.1. from noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Museum. There will be prizes and more as this NASCAR-favorite radio host headlines the event.
On display through November 6, 2022, “Fast Lane: The NASCAR Photography of Darryl Moran” will take visitors on a visual behind-the-scenes look at the people, the cars, and the experiences of a NASCAR race that most never get to see.
The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., in Greenville, S.C. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 864-467-3100 or visit www.upcountryhistory.org.
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