Airbnb Teams with NASCAR
Airbnb announced on May 12 at the South Carolina State Capitol that it will serve as the official lodging partner for five NASCAR venues, among them the historic Darlington Raceway. The agreement lets fans book nearby homes, cabins and farm stays directly through the racetrack websites, creating a seamless travel experience for race weekends.
The collaboration is projected to generate billions for the local economy. In 2025, Airbnb hosts in South Carolina earned an average of $15,000 in supplemental income, while visitors staying in those rentals contributed $2.1 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and $565 million in tax revenue.
T.R. Stape, NASCAR’s vice president of Track Sales, said the partnership simplifies planning for fans and underscores the growing importance of short‑term rentals in smaller racing communities. “It makes it easier for fans to plan their race weekend,” he noted.
State Senator Shane Martin highlighted the cultural footprint of NASCAR in South Carolina, emphasizing how the sport’s events drive tourism and support local businesses across the Palmetto State.
Darlington Raceway, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, opened its gates in 1950 and has hosted legendary drivers such as Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough. The track’s signature events, the Goodyear 400 and the Southern 500, attract roughly 3 million television viewers and fans from all 50 states and at least ten countries twice a year.
Josh Harris, president of Darlington Raceway, added that the influx of race fans extends beyond the track, boosting nearby cities like Florence and Myrtle Beach and bringing visitors who might not otherwise travel to the region.