These are the All-Time Lap Leaders and Track Records at Darlington Raceway

What’s Happening?

Known for being a track that highlights drivers’ talent, only the elite can “tame” the Lady in Black. In this article, we’re breaking down the top 10 drivers with the most laps led at the iconic track, as well as their main stats, in addition to a quick rundown on the top 10 active drivers with the most laps led at Darlington.

1st: Dale Earnhardt – 2648

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
44	14.011	9	1	11.4	12.4

2nd: Richard Petty – 2391

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
65	17.120	3	4	14.3	12.4

3rd: David Pearson – 2116

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
47	12.536	10	12	12.0	6.3

4th: Jeff Gordon – 1744

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
36	11.458	7	3	11.6	7.0

5th: Darrell Waltrip – 1723

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
55	16.395	5	2	17.2	14.5

6th: Cale Yarborough – 1647

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
49	12.959	5	2	16.2	12.0

7th: Bobby Allison – 1604

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
45	12.630	5	4	13.9	9.1

8th: Harry Gant – 1088

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
31	9144	4	2	14.5	9.3

9th: Kyle Larson – 1070

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
17	5408	1	0	14.1	8.8

10th: Denny Hamlin – 1022

Races	Laps Run	Wins	Poles	Avg. Finish	Avg. Start
28	9603	5	1	8.5	8.0

Top 10 Active Drivers Rank

• 1st: Kyle Larson (1070)
• 2nd: Denny Hamlin (1022)
• 3rd: Kyle Busch (899)
• 4th: Brad Keselowski (574)
• 5th: Tyler Reddick (399)
• 6th. Chase Briscoe (342)
• 7th: William Byron (331)
• 8th: Joey Logano (293)
• 9th: Chase Elliott (165)
• 10th: Ross Chastain (137)

Track Records

• Most Races: Richard Petty (65)
• Most Laps Run: Ricky Craven (17582)
• Most Laps Led: Dale Earnhardt (2648)
• Most Wins: David Pearson (10)
• Most Poles: David Pearson (12)
• Most Top 5s: Richard Petty (25)
• Most Top 10s: Bill Elliott (35)
• Most Lead Lap Finishes: Mark Martin (29)
• Qualifying Lap Record: Aric Almirola | 184.145 MPH – 26.705 seconds | April 11th, 2014
• Worst Starting Position by a Winner: 43rd – Johnny Mantz | 1950
• Winners from Pole: 22 in 130 Races – Latest: Tyler Reddick on March 23rd, 2026

Updated on March 23, 2026

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