Friday Flashback: 2015 Bojangles Southern 500

NASCAR’s second annual throwback weekend is upon us! What better way to get ready for this weekend than take a look back at last year’s race – the 2015 Bojangles Southern 500.

2015 was a great year for Darlington and the Southern 500. For the first time since 2003 the race was back on Labor Day weekend. It also became NASCAR’s first ever throwback weekend. The sight was nothing short of spectacular. Drivers and teams not only sported throwback paint schemes but also dressed the part. NBC joined the fun and brought back great memories by dressing their team is 70’s style clothes and used the classic NBC peacock with throwback graphics. However, their best tribute to NASCAR’s history was allowing the greats of Ken Squier, Ned Jarrett, and Dale Jarrett call a part of this historic race.

Brad Keselowski lead the field to the green flag and would lead the first 62 laps. The first caution came only eight laps into the event when Cole Whitt tangled with Brett Moffitt and Chase Elliott on the backstretch. There were many lead changes throughout the middle portion of the race but Keselowski remained the dominate force leading 196 of 367 laps. A record 18 cautions (Seven occurring in in turn four) allowed the teams much need time to work on their cars in order to catch the No. 2 Miller High Life Throwback Ford.

On lap 307 Martin Truex Jr. turned Kurt Busch accidentally bringing out caution No. 17. Both drivers would later recover for top ten finishes. This set up a great battle between Keselowski, Edwards, and Harvick. Harvick was able to hang with Keselowski immediately following the restart but faded and was eventually passed by third place Carl Edwards. Edwards ran down Keselowski and challenged for the lead. This allowed Harvick to close in on the top two with only 22 laps remaining. Keselowski held off the challenge for the lead but Edwards fell to third as Harvick passed him with 21 laps to go.

In the next handful of laps Harvick would close on Keselowski. Both drivers were dealing with tire fall off and ill handling cars during the 43 lap green flag run (2nd longest of the evening) . With only 13 laps to go the caution came out for a record 18th time when Jeb Burton spun in turn one. This set up a final round of pit stops. Edwards’ pit crew executed a flawless stop and propelled him to the lead. Keselowski came out second and Harvick fell to fifth.

The final restart came with just eight laps remaining. Edwards took off and never looked back. He held off the field and recorded his second win of the 2015 season. Keselowski, Hamlin, Logano, and Harvick rounded out the top five. Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Earnhardt Jr., Truex Jr., and Larson completed the top ten.

The 2015 Bojangles Southern 500 was arguably the best race of 2015 but don’t take my word for it. Enjoy the full NBC broadcast for yourself:

Be sure to tune in Sunday for this year’s Bojangles Southern 500 starting at 6:00 PM EST on NBC. You can also listen live on MRN.com or your local MRN affiliate.