Showtime to sponsor NASCAR race

Showtime Networks Inc. will sponsor Darlington Raceway's iconic Southern 500 NASCAR race.

Track president Chris Browning told The Associated Press on Monday that the cable network has agreed to a multiyear deal as title sponsor for the raceway's only Sprint Cup race.

The track has been searching for a sponsor since the end of last year's race.

Showtime executives say this is the first time they've lent their name to a NASCAR race.

The network debuted its "Inside NASCAR" program this year and says this is another step to connect with NASCAR. The Showtime Southern 500 will take place May 8.