After a long-awaited return, one of the most flavorful festivals in the Pee Dee is back. Darlington Raceway announced today that its popular Speed & Feed BBQ Festival will make its triumphant return on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Last held in 2018, the Speed & Feed BBQ Festival is ready to fire up the grills once again with a full day of barbecue, classic cars, family-friendly activities and more.

“This event has always been one of our community’s favorites, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring it back bigger and better than ever,” said Josh Harris, President of Darlington Raceway. “It’s the perfect blend of two things our fans love most – incredible food and the spirit of competition – all right here at the track Too Tough To Tame.”

The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition will pit BBQ teams from across the country against one another for $12,000 in total prize money and a chance to win one of the event’s exclusive Darlington Raceway Speed & Feed trophies. Competitors will battle in four official categories – Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, and Beef Brisket – accumulating points for the overall Speed and Feed Grand Champion.

The overall Grand Champion will also win the opportunity to compete at the American Royal World Championship in Kansas City in fall of 2026. Locals can also get in on the fun through the People’s Choice Competition, where festival-goers sample and vote for their favorite BBQ from regional cookers using “BBQ Bucks.”

The festival also brings back the fan-favorite Car Show, showcasing an open field of vehicles competing for trophies and cash prizes. Awards will be presented in five judged categories – Body & Paint, Interior, Engine Compartment, Trunk, and Tires/Wheels/Hubcaps – with the top three in each class receiving trophies. Category winners earn cash prizes, and the overall “Best in Show” will receive a coveted one-of-a-kind Speed & Feed trophy.

The winners of both the BBQ competition and Car Show will receive a special invitation to return to Darlington Raceway’s 2026 NASCAR Labor Day Race Weekend, where they’ll be honored during pre-race ceremonies.

In addition to mouthwatering BBQ and classic cars, fans can enjoy a day packed with entertainment, including:

Automotive swap meet vendorsAmusement rides and activities for kidsFood trucks, refreshments, and merchandise vendorsNASCAR Racing Experience Ride Along opportunities in a real stock race car with a professional driver (additional charge)  

Festival-goers can purchase BBQ Bucks ($1 each or 12 for $10) to sample and vote in the People’s Choice tasting. A minimum of 10 BBQ Bucks is required to receive a ballot. Premium parking options in the infield will be available, with details to be announced at a later date.

Teams interested in entering the BBQ competition or individuals entering the Car Show can find details and registration information at https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/events/speedandfeed/.

The NASCAR race weekend at Darlington Raceway’s is set for March 20-22, a triple header weekend featuring the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, March 20, The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, March 21, all culminating with the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 on Sunday, March 22.

NASCAR PR