Darlington Raceway losing its spring Winston Cup race would cost the Grand Strand some tourists, officials say, but the track's late-summer race is the bigger draw.

NASCAR officials have been contemplating shifting some race dates, including the spring Darlington race, to other tracks.

Even though the numbers don't match the spillover from the Southern 500, traditionally run on Labor Day weekend, tourism and government officials don't want Darlington to lose a date after years of a successful relationship.

Local hotels and restaurants, especially the NASCAR Cafe and SpeedPark, say some NASCAR enthusiasts extend their weekend or take a day trip to the Strand in connection with the spring race.

"I realize that NASCAR is looking at new and larger venues, but it would be a real shame if the first of the superspeedways lost out," said Ashby Ward, president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. "We enjoy having them as neighbors, and we've tried to support them."

Last week, the Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach city councils passed resolutions urging NASCAR to keep its Darlington schedule intact. The chamber has sent letters of support to the speedway.

"This impacts Myrtle Beach directly," said Mayor Mark McBride, who proposed Myrtle Beach's resolution. "A lot of these people come for the race and make the beach part of their trip."

There are no numbers to show it, but the Grand Strand profits from its proximity to Darlington in many ways, such as those staying at local hotels and many events that have lured fans and NASCAR's top names.

"It would be a huge loss to our restaurant if this [spring] race were to go away," said Allison Varlen of the NASCAR Cafe.

"The business that we have on this particular weekend is fantastic."

Grand Strand tourism and Darlington Raceway officials have done co-promotional efforts for years. Signs advertising Myrtle Beach are a regular feature at the track.

Events planned locally around Darlington races have featured drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and Dale Jarrett. NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield got married here in January.

"We've had a great relationship over the years with Darlington and with NASCAR fans in general," Ward said. "A lot of NASCAR fans come to Myrtle Beach, whether they're coming from races at Darlington or not. They're a part of our market."