History Again: David Darling Becomes Third Driver To Accomplish 100 Career Seekonk Speedway Wins

Over 81 years, Seekonk Speedway fans have witnessed some of the best drivers in the history of Northeast short-track racing compete on the third-mile. There have been thousands of drivers - some turned just a few laps, some have raced for over two decades. 

In all of those years, only two drivers prior to this past Saturday night had captured 100 career wins - George Summers and Rick Martin. Now, you can add a third name to the list - Dave Darling. In the Everett’s Auto Parts Pro Stock 75, Darling scored his 100th career victory, rolling to the front and driving away from the competition in dominating fashion. It was a fitting way to capture number 100 - dominating - something Darling has done for many years in Seekonk’s top division.

It was Darling’s third victory in six Pro Stock events so far this season. And this one meant more to him than any that have come before. That was evident. 

Darling comes from a family filled with a storied racing background. His grandfather Fred raced, along with his dad, Wayne. Through Wayne, the Darling family name has also been active in the Modified community, with Wayne the owner of Doug Coby’s NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship run in 2011, and countless race victories, with multiple drivers, in his familiar No. 52. Wayne has also been instrumental in the success of the Tri-Track Modified Series since their inception. 

Wayne was not able to make it to Saturday’s event - and David was emotional when he climbed from the car. Even before that, Darling was still steering through turns three and four and his hand was out the window in celebration. It was the first time in all of the years of wins that many could remember David that emotional.

“It sucks that he’s not here, and he’s fighting the fight,” David said of his dad, Wayne. “This means probably more to him than it does me.”

It was another true showcase that Seekonk Speedway fans have known for years - racing is a family sport.

Darling’s family extends outside of just his blood as well. Gary Johnson of Johnson Landscaping has been a partner in the race team since the first Pro Stock win. Ronnie Pond was the crew chief and mastermind behind many of the wins and championships. Jeff Belyea has been behind him for many of the wins and titles in the last 10 years. And many of the crew members who work with him have been there for a long time, giving up their Saturday night, like many in the pit area, to do what they love.

Without a strong crew, family, friends and list of supporters - accomplishing 100 career wins would not be possible. 

Darling has been dominating the Pro Stocks for the better portion of over two decades. And even though there were struggles, tough times, and some points where he looked to be off his game - Darling is still in prime form - and not only does he have 100 wins - but his quest for a record 10th track championship is on, in full force.

Starting his career outside of the Pro Stocks, Darling found success. When he teamed up with Gary Johnson and Ronnie Pond in the move to the Pro Stocks, success immediately followed. Darling won his first Pro Stock race in July of 2003. He would capture one more win that year - before moving the victories into 2004 - with four more coming in that season. 

The 2005 racing campaign saw more winning - before Darling found his way to the head table for the first time in 2006. He won championships in 2006 and 2007, before taking time off from championship glory until 2012. It was really between 2012 and 2019 when Darling struck, collecting over 40 of his wins in that time. He won championships in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019. He captured another in 2021.

In 2025, Darling returned with another title, and did it in a different format - the Sunoco Drive For The Cup. After years of winning championships in the old format, Darling showed his dominance could not be stopped - coming out on top of a Final Four battle with a thrilling three-wide move the story on championship night. Darling captured his ninth title to end 2025, a feat no driver in the 81-year history of Seekonk Speedway has ever accomplished. 

Now, Darling heads for two more goals in the stat book: a 10th career championship, and chasing down Rick Martin, who has 116 career Seekonk Speedway victories. 

Seekonk Speedway congratulates David Darling and his entire No. 52 team for reaching a feat that is nearly impossible.

Darling will be back on the track to chase another Pro Stock win when the championship points season continues on Saturday, July 11.