12 Forgotten NASCAR Tracks That Fans Still Miss
A nostalgic journey through 12 iconic NASCAR tracks that once roared with excitement but have since faded into history.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
NASCAR’s rich history is dotted with tracks that were once the heart of racing excitement. These venues hosted legendary drivers and unforgettable moments, contributing significantly to the sport’s legacy. Over time, due to various reasons like financial constraints, urban development, or changing interests, these tracks were abandoned or repurposed.
1. North Wilkesboro Speedway (North Carolina)
Mike Kalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Once a cornerstone of NASCAR’s early years, North Wilkesboro Speedway was renowned for its unique uphill backstretch and downhill front stretch. Despite its closure in 1996, the track remains a symbol of NASCAR’s grassroots, and efforts are ongoing to preserve its legacy.
2. Rockingham Speedway (North Carolina)
Mike Kalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Known as “The Rock,” this track was famous for its abrasive surface and challenging races. After its last NASCAR race in 2004, the speedway has seen sporadic use, with fans reminiscing about its intense competition.
3. Texas World Speedway
NSCRDVA on Wikimedia Commons
Once one of the fastest tracks in the U.S., Texas World Speedway hosted numerous NASCAR events. Closed in 1981, its vast layout is now a relic of high-speed racing history.
4. Asheville-Weaverville Speedway (North Carolina)
United States Geological Survey on Wikimedia Commons
This half-mile track was a staple in NASCAR’s early days, operating from 1951 to 1969. Now, nature has reclaimed much of the area, leaving behind echoes of roaring engines.
5. Columbia Speedway (South Carolina)
Colin Stepney on Wikimedia Commons
Columbia Speedway was a prominent dirt track in the 1950s and ’60s, known for its fierce competition. Though closed in 1979, restoration efforts aim to preserve its historical significance.
6. Myrtle Beach Speedway (South Carolina)
Myrtle Beach TheDigitel on Wikimedia Commons
This track, which has hosted races since 1958, was a fan favorite for its tight turns and close racing. Demolished in 2021, it remains alive in the memories of many racing enthusiasts.
7. Smoky Mountain Raceway (Tennessee)
Liquidfire3240 on Wikimedia Commons
This track was a Southern short-track gem tucked in the hills of Tennessee. Its tight quarters made for high-contact racing and earned a reputation for intense local showdowns. Now Mostly abandoned, it’s a quiet piece of NASCAR’s gritty roots.
8. Trenton Speedway (New Jersey)
James Loesch on Wikimedia Commons
Trenton’s unique kidney-shaped layout tested even the best drivers during its heyday. It hosted NASCAR and open-wheel races until its closure in 1980. Today, warehouses cover much of the site, but racing fans still remember the quirks that made Trenton special.
9. Mason-Dixon Raceway (Maryland)
CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz on Wikimedia Commons
Though primarily a drag strip, Mason-Dixon once hosted oval events that thrilled the Mid-Atlantic crowd. Its rural charm and grassroots appeal drew a loyal local following. The venue now feels frozen in time, holding onto echoes of distant engines.
10. Jacksonville Speedway Park (Florida)
JaxStrong on Wikimedia Commons
This Florida short track was a proving ground for Southern racers in the ’50s and ’60s. Though small, it featured thrilling side-by-side battles. Today, all that remains are patches of asphalt and passionate memories.
11. MacArthur Speedway (Louisiana)
Scott Foltz on Wikimedia Commons
A true grassroots venue, MacArthur Speedway offered dirt and grit in equal measure. Fans loved its raw racing energy and close community vibe. Although it faded decades ago, its legacy lingers in local storytelling circles.
12. Hickory Motor Speedway (North Carolina)
Alfred GF on Wikimedia Commons
While Hickory still holds occasional events, many remember it best for its role in launching NASCAR legends. This old track helped shape the careers of Dale Earnhardt and other icons. It stands as a living ghost of the sport’s roots, cherished by fans who remember its prime.