It was all about retro, throwback, 1970s time machine, and embracing NASCAR's history at one of its original race tracks. This was a race that needed to be seen on TV more than heard -- no offense intended to the radio guys and gals at Motor Racing Network (and PRN), who already do a tremendous job bringing them to our ears.
There were retro paint schemes and crew guys who even dressed the part, but even more important was the presence of a broadcasting legend who returned to the NBC booth, even it was only for a limited time.
For about 40 minutes or so Sunday night in an edited package, race fans got a perfect trip in the NASCAR time capsule as Ken Squier, Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett and son Dale stepped up to the microphones -- minus any 1970s fashion statements -- to call the action.
From the restart after the second caution at lap 51, we got more than 35 minutes of simple, understated magic. No extra hype, just sharing details on what was going on. When surprises happened -- and there were plenty of them -- there was appropriate reaction.
Tosses to pit reporters Mike Massaro, Marty Snider, Dave Burns and Kelli Stavast were top-notch and solid.
When Rutledge Wood was summoned, the "special report" was pretty special, a story of how the fans transitioned from standing on top of station wagons and trucks to get a glimpse of the race to watching on large TV monitors in the infield area.
As Squier spoke, the description of what it's like to be at the track came through like it did in his heyday when he called races for CBS.
At one point, Squier called Darlington "the kingdom" and added "if you're going to see a NASCAR race, this is one you must find."
Squier spoke further to the race's rural location when he said "you may want to get some help, some local folks to find your way in. Get yourself some counseling, a couple of GPS's, or ask any of the neighbors, and they'll tell you about Harold Brasington's peanut patch."
It's exactly where the race track is located in a town that has a population of around 7,000 people.
Further racing was described with emphasis on how Darlington can drive drivers crazy over a 500-mile race. One example was discussed nicely as Squier brought in Massaro to describe issues Jamie McMurray's crew was having with the radio. A great split screen was used so fans didn't lose track of any battles for position.
About the only slip-up I heard from Squier came when he said as Denny Hamlin moved into the lead at lap 87 and said he was from Enumclaw, Washington. That's Kasey Kahne's hometown, but I'm sure Hamlin's been to the Northwest a time or two.
Let's cut a true legend a little slack here. Squier turned 80 in April. Mistakes will happen, no matter how old you are. My mom will be turning 80 in December herself.
The energy was there when Hamlin duked it out with Brad Keselowski for the lead at lap 118, losing it briefly then pulling off the crossover move to regain control.
Squier's time on the air with the Jarretts came to an end after the race's fifth caution at lap 121, so race fans got a 70-lap glimpse of how much history exists in NASCAR at Darlington and everywhere else. Special times called for special voices, and Squier enhanced NBC's broadcast of the Southern 500 in beautiful fashion Sunday night.
As Rick Allen said when he returned to the air, it was an absolute honor -- for all of us -- to listen to Squier call a race once more, even if it was only for a little while.
Thanks for the memories. Let's go make some more.
Followers and comments welcome on Twitter @Tomzsports.
