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Relics of the Past: The Occoneechee Speedway

Occoneechee Speedway

Nestled in the woods of Hillsborough, North Carolina, lies a hidden gem of NASCAR history — the Occoneechee Speedway. This once-famous racetrack, one of the original NASCAR dirt tracks from the late 1940s, was abandoned and forgotten for decades but still holds relics of its storied past.

The track saw its heyday in June of 1948, quickly becoming a prominent venue in the early years of NASCAR. Renowned drivers like Fonty Flock and his brothers, Bob and Tim, dominated the track, while Louise Smith made history as NASCAR’s first female driver in the fall of 1949. The Occoneechee Speedway also hosted racing legends such as Fireball Roberts, Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett, and Junior Johnson. In 1954, the track was renamed Orange Speedway, reflecting its local significance.

The one-mile distance of the Occoneechee track allowed drivers to reach higher speeds than on shorter tracks. However, the lack of guardrails often led to spectacular crashes, with cars landing on the nearby riverbank or veering into the woods. From 1949 to 1968, this track was a hub of excitement, drawing in fans and racing enthusiasts from all over.

The land’s history dates back further than NASCAR. Originally used by the Occoneechee Native Americans, it later became a plantation in the 1700s. By the late 1800s, it featured a horse racing track. The transition to a car racing track came when Bill France, the future owner of NASCAR, spotted the horse track from above and saw its potential. Along with investors, he purchased 200 acres and transformed it into the Occoneechee Speedway.

Despite its fame, the track faced challenges. Increasing noise complaints from nearby churches and neighborhoods led to its closure. NASCAR also outgrew its dirt track origins, moving to larger venues like the Alabama International Motor Speedway, now known as Talladega, in 1969. The Occoneechee Speedway was left to be reclaimed by nature, disappearing into the forest for over three decades.

In the 2000s, local enthusiasts who remembered the track from their youth banded together to restore it. They cleared the overgrowth, uncovering not just the track but also an old football field used during its prime. Today, visitors can walk the track, explore the original bleachers, and see remnants of old race cars. While racing is no longer allowed, the site serves as a public park, preserving an important piece of NASCAR history.

The Occoneechee Speedway is a testament to the enduring legacy of early NASCAR racing. Its preservation allows visitors to step back in time and experience the echoes of a once-thriving motorsport era.