15 Classic NASCAR Tracks That No Longer Exist (But Fans Still Miss)
Let's go back in time and remember the famous race tracks that were once the center of NASCAR racing but are now closed, torn down, or used for something else. These tracks had exciting races, long histories, unforgettable moments, and devoted fan bases. Every track, from short tracks to superspeedways, changed NASCAR in a way that fans all over the world will always remember.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
This article discusses the famous NASCAR tracks that are no longer in use but are still remembered by fans and racing fans. Even though the sport has changed and new tracks have opened, these old tracks have been very important in the history of NASCAR racing. Each track had its own challenges and memorable moments that made them stand out. From the first races to the last laps, these tracks were important to the growth of the sport, and their influences can still be felt in NASCAR culture today.
1. North Wilkesboro Speedway - The Heart of Short Track Racing
OG Productionz on Pexels
People loved North Wilkesboro Speedway because of its close racing and passionate fans. It was often called one of NASCAR’s most iconic short tracks. From the 1940s until it closed in 1996, the track held races and became a symbol of NASCAR’s roots. Even though it’s not used anymore, fans will always remember the exciting races and unique feel of the track.
2. Rockingham Speedway - The Rock’s Lasting Legacy
Myself on Wikimedia
The tough, fast Rockingham Speedway, also called “The Rock,” was where some of the most exciting NASCAR races ever happened. The speedway was open from 1965 until 2004 and was known for its rough surface and high-tech finishes. Fans fondly remember the exciting battles and emotional races that made the track an important part of NASCAR history.
3. California Raceway - A Short-Lived Superspeedway
Missvain on Wikimedia
California Raceway’s first race was in 1968. The track had a short but important history in NASCAR. It was known for its fast races and wide turns, which made it a unique challenge for drivers. Although it was only open for a few years before it closed in 1971, the track changed the sport forever.
4. Oval Speedway (Dallas) - The Bold Texas Experiment
Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wood on Wikimedia
The Oval Speedway in Dallas, Texas, was an experiment that only lasted a short time. It opened in 1968 and closed in 1971. During its short run, it stood out in the NASCAR schedule because of its unique shape and location. Fans remember how exciting the races were here, and the track’s closing was a missed chance for NASCAR in the state.
5. Lakewood Speedway - A Southern Staple
OG Productionz on Pexels
The Atlanta, Georgia-based Lakewood Speedway was a popular place for racing from 1910 until it closed in 1979. The track was the site of many NASCAR races, including some of the sport’s first big events. Fans remember that the track’s rough surface and unique atmosphere made for some of the most exciting NASCAR races ever.
6. Alabama International Motor Speedway (Talladega)
AuburnPilot on Wikimedia
There was a time when Alabama International Motor Speedway was the best place for NASCAR races and set the standard for superspeedway racing. The track quickly became one of NASCAR’s most exciting places to race after it opened in 1969. It has long straightaways and high-bank turns. The superspeedway’s spirit lives on in Talladega, even though the name has changed.
7. Darlington’s Original Track Layout - The Lady in Black’s Changes
Pixabay on pexels
The Darlington Raceway, which is sometimes called “The Lady in Black,” has a very unusual shape. However, the layout was very different before it was changed. NASCAR’s first races at Darlington took place on a smaller, tougher oval. Fans still miss the track’s original layout and the races that happened there in the past, even though it was changed in the end.
8. Memphis Motorsports Park - A Forgotten Gem
Jayme Pastoric on Wikimedia
From the late 1990s until 2009, NASCAR events took place at Memphis Motorsports Park. It is now a forgotten gem in NASCAR history. The track had a unique layout that mixed short track and superspeedway features, making the races very exciting. The track was a fan favorite then because of its close endings and cozy feel. Fans miss those parts.
9. Ontario Motor Speedway - The California Dream
Exit2dos2000 on Wikimedia
Canadian Motor Speedway, also known as the “Indianapolis of the West,” was a huge 2.5-mile track that hosted NASCAR races from 1970 until it closed in 1980. Many people came to see the races because the track was wide and the races were fast. Any racing fan should go there. Even though it only lasted a short time, Ontario will be remembered by NASCAR and motorsport fans for a long time.
10. Atlanta International Raceway - The Original Atlanta Legacy
Kelly A. Tyler on Wikimedia
The track was once called Atlanta International Raceway before it was changed to Atlanta Motor Speedway. From 1960 to 1997, fans loved the track’s tight turns and exciting races. Although it was the end of an era when it was turned into a modern superspeedway, fans still remember the old races that were held on the original layout.
11. Louisville Motor Speedway - The Bluegrass Connection
Erik Mclean on Pexels
The Kentucky track Louisville Motor Speedway was one of a kind. From 1956 until it closed in 2008, it was home to NASCAR events. People loved the track because it had tight corners, making side-by-side racing exciting. Fans still love Louisville, even though it’s not used anymore. They remember its unique way of racing with fondness.
12. Pocono’s Original Layout - The Tricky Triangle’s First Form
Juan Cruz Palacio Mir on Pexels
Pocono Raceway is famous for its “Tricky Triangle” layout, but it used to look slightly different before it was changed. Drivers had to get good at straightaways and sharp corners, which made the track so difficult in its original form. Many fans still miss the little details of the original layout and the unique problems it gave drivers.
13. Tucson Speedway - A Desert Racing Dream
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona on Wikimedia
The Arizona-based Tucson Speedway was a well-known and loved NASCAR track open from the 1960s to the early 1980s. Thanks to its tight turns and difficult layout, the track had some great races, especially in the Southwest. Many fans from the area still remember racing in the Arizona desert, even though it doesn’t exist anymore.
14. Sealy Motor Speedway - Texas’ Forgotten Track
Telmo Antunes on Pexels
The Sealy Motor Speedway in Texas was a small, close-knit track where several NASCAR races were held in the 1950s and 1960s. Fans in the area loved the track because it made for tight races and exciting finishes. Sealy is still nostalgic in Texas racing history even though it is no longer open.
15. Indianapolis Raceway Park - A Historic Short Track
Spc. John Crosby on Wikimedia
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway stands in the shadow of Indianapolis Raceway Park, which was an important short track in NASCAR history. It was home to NASCAR events from 1982 until it closed in 2011. The races were known for being close and exciting. Even though the track was small, it was renowned for creating unforgettable racing moments.