The history of motorsport in America is rich and diverse, with a legacy that stretches back over a century. From the early days of horseless carriages to the high-speed thrills of modern racing, the country has been home to some of the oldest and most iconic race tracks in the world.
Join us as we take a journey through time to explore the 12 oldest race tracks in America, each with its own unique story and contribution to the world of motorsport.
12. Charlotte Motor Speedway
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Year Opened: 1960
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Charlotte Motor Speedway is home to the Coca-Cola 600, one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races. It also hosts the NASCAR All-Star Race and has a unique “roval” configuration combining a road course with an oval track.
Did You Know?
Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the largest sports venues in the United States, with a seating capacity of over 100,000 spectators. Its unique “roval” layout challenges drivers with a mix of high-speed oval racing and technical road course sections.
11. Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Year Opened: 1959
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Daytona International Speedway is home to the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR’s most iconic races. It is also known for its high-banked turns and the tri-oval shape of its track.
Did You Know?
Daytona International Speedway is one of the most famous race tracks in the world and has been the site of numerous historic moments in motorsport history, including record-breaking speeds and photo finishes. Its expansive infield and grandstands can accommodate hundreds of thousands of spectators for major events.
10. Darlington Raceway
Location: Darlington, South Carolina
Year Opened: 1950
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Darlington Raceway is known as the “Track Too Tough to Tame” due to its unique egg-shaped layout. It is famous for hosting the Southern 500, one of NASCAR’s oldest and most prestigious races.
Did You Know?
Darlington Raceway was the first super-speedway built specifically for stock car racing, setting a new standard for NASCAR tracks. Its distinctive shape and challenging corners have earned it a reputation as a driver’s track.
9. Martinsville Speedway
Location: Ridgeway, Virginia
Year Opened: 1947
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Martinsville Speedway is the shortest track in the NASCAR Cup Series at just 0.526 miles in length. It is known for its tight turns and short straightaways, making it a challenging track for drivers.
Did You Know?
Martinsville Speedway is one of the oldest continuously operating race tracks in the United States, with a history dating back to the early days of NASCAR. Its tight, paperclip-shaped layout often leads to close, intense racing.
8. Langhorne Speedway
Location: Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Year Opened: 1926
Langhorne Speedway was known as the “Big Left Turn” due to its unique shape and was a popular venue for dirt track racing. It hosted numerous championship events before closing in 1971.
Did You Know?
Langhorne Speedway was known for its high speeds and challenging conditions, earning a reputation as one of the toughest tracks in the United States. Its closure marked the end of an era in American motorsports.
7. Legion Ascot Speedway
Location: Los Angeles, California
Year Opened: 1924
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Bob Swanson competes at the Legion Ascot Speedway
Legion Ascot Speedway was a popular dirt track known for its challenging conditions and thrilling races. It was a significant venue for midget car racing and hosted several national championships.
Did You Know?
Legion Ascot Speedway was a favorite among drivers due to its unique features, including a quarter-mile oval track and high-banked turns. Its closure in 1936 marked the end of an era for dirt track racing in Southern California.
6. Culver City Speedway
Location: Culver City, California
Year Opened: 1924
Culver City Speedway was a popular dirt track that hosted a wide range of racing events, including midget car races, motorcycle races, and more. It was known for its challenging layout and high-speed action.
Did You Know?
Culver City Speedway was one of the first tracks to introduce night racing, using floodlights to illuminate the track for evening events. Its closure in 1927 marked the end of an era for motorsports in Culver City.
5. Altoona Speedway
Location: Tipton, Pennsylvania
Year Opened: 1923
Altoona Speedway was a wooden board track that hosted major racing events in the 1920s. Its high speeds and steep banking made it a favorite among drivers and spectators alike.
Did You Know?
Altoona Speedway was one of the first tracks to be built specifically for auto racing, marking a shift from horse racing to motor racing in the United States. Its closure in 1931 marked the end of the board track era.
4. Oakland Speedway
Location: Oakland, California
Year Opened: 1921
Oakland Speedway was a popular dirt track that hosted a wide variety of racing events, including motorcycle races, midget car races, and more. It was known for its challenging layout and high-speed action.
Did You Know?
Oakland Speedway was a hotspot for motorsport enthusiasts, drawing large crowds to witness the thrilling races held on its dirt surface. Its closure in 1922 marked the end of an era for dirt track racing in the Bay Area.
3. Beverly Hills Speedway
Location: Beverly Hills, California
Year Opened: 1919
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Beverly Hills Speedway was one of the first oval tracks in the United States and featured a unique combination of asphalt and wooden surfaces. It was a popular venue for early auto racing and motorcycle events.
Did You Know?
Beverly Hills Speedway was known for its lavish amenities, attracting Hollywood celebrities and high-profile figures to its races. Its closure in 1924 marked the end of an era for motorsports in Los Angeles.
2. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Location: Speedway, Indiana
Year Opened: 1909
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the prestigious Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous auto races in the world. The track’s iconic “Brickyard” surface, made of bricks in its early days, is still visible at the start-finish line.
Did You Know?
The Indianapolis 500, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is one of the oldest motor races in the world and has a tradition of drinking milk in victory lane that dates back to 1936.
1. Milwaukee Mile
Location: West Allis, Wisconsin
Year Opened: 1903
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Milwaukee Mile is the oldest operating motor speedway in the world, hosting races for over a century. Originally a horse racing track, it was repurposed for automobile racing in 1903 and has since been a cornerstone of American motorsports.
Did You Know?
The Milwaukee Mile has seen numerous motorsport legends grace its track, including Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, and Jeff Gordon. It remains a beloved venue for racing enthusiasts and has a rich history in both open-wheel and stock-car racing.
Conclusion
These 12 race tracks represent the rich history of American motorsport, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the sport. From the early days of dirt tracks to the modern super-speedways, these tracks have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of racing in America.
As we look to the future, these historic tracks continue to inspire new generations of racers and fans, ensuring that their legacy will endure for years to come.
