Calling all racing fans!… Have you visited ALL of these historic American race tracks?
Ready to experience the pulse of American racing history? Well, look no further because Urban Cars Blog will ignite your passion for motorsports!
These historic American race tracks aren’t just destinations but gateways to an era of adrenaline-fueled excitement and extraordinary moments.
From Daytona International Speedway’s hallowed grounds to Culver City’s iconic twists, each track has a story to tell and a legacy to uphold.
Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned racing enthusiast, these tracks promise epic adventures and the chance to witness history in motion. So fuel up your dreams, and get ready to embark on a journey through the heart and soul of American racing culture.
It’s time to rev your engines and embark on a memorable odyssey through the 11 historic American race tracks that define the essence of speed and passion in the US.
Historic American race track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Location: Speedway, Indiana
Year Opened: 1909
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is located a couple of miles west of Downtown Indianapolis. It’s the third-oldest permanent auto-mobile racetrack and the second-oldest NASCAR track. Carl G. Fishes, a highway entrepreneur, built the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He was worried about the security of the drivers on the makeshift tracks and wanted to come up with something more enduring. He also thought the linear racing tracks didn’t do much justice to the onlookers.
So, he constructed this purpose-built banked oval racing circuit to deliver a better experience to drivers and spectators. Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR’s Verizon 200, and Pennzoil 150.
It used to be the home of the US Grand Prix and is the highest-capacity sports venue in the world. It can house up to 400,000 spectators and has 257,327 permanent seats.
Historic American race track: Langhorne Speedway
Location: Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Year Opened: 1926
Langhorne Speedway was dubbed the “Big Left Turn” because of its unique shape. It was once a popular dirt track racing venue. It hosted multiple championship events before closing in 1971.
This Speedway was well-known for its challenging conditions and high speeds, earning a reputation as one of the most difficult tracks in the United States. Its closure marked the end of an era in American motorsports and many were sad to see it go.
Historic American race track: Beverly Hills Speedway
Location: Beverly Hills, California
Year Opened: 1919
Beverly Hills Speedway was one of the first oval tracks in our country. It had a unique combination of wooden and asphalt surfaces. It was a popular venue for early motorcycle events and auto racing.
Beverly Hills Speedway was also very well-known for its luxurious amenities, attracting Hollywood celebrities and high-profile figures to its races. When it closed in 1924, it marked the end of an era for motorsports in the Los Angeles area.
Historic American race track: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Location: Los Angeles, California
Year Opened: 1923
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was built to honor the Los Angeles veterans who passed away in World War I. Afterward, in 1968, it was changed to honor all US veterans. The stadium was the biggest in LA at the time it was built.
The Coliseum has an affluent history of hosting several noteworthy events, including the National Football League, the Summer Olympics, and Major League Baseball games.
In February of 2022, NASCAR even hosted its Busch Light Clash here, which is an annual pre-season NASCAR Cup Series exhibition at here. It was held at a purpose-made quarter-mile track.
Throughout time, the stadium was renovated numerous times, and the seating capacity was changed occasionally. The last major renovation was done in 2018 by the University of Southern California, which took over the lease in 2013.
Seats were substituted, a new sound system was included, the press box and interior and exterior lighting got an upgrade, stadium-wide Wi-Fi was installed, and 2 new HD jumbotrons were installed.
Historic American race track: Culver City Speedway
Location: Culver City, California
Year Opened: 1924
Culver City Speedway was a popular dirt track hosting various racing events, including motorcycle races, midget car races, and much more. It was well-known for its high-speed action and challenging layout.
Culver City Speedway was one of the foremost tracks to introduce night racing, utilizing floodlights to light up the track for nighttime events. It closed down in 1927, marking the end of an era for motorsports in Culver City.
Historic American race track: Darlington Raceway
Location: Darlington, South Carolina
Year Opened: 1950
Darlington Raceway is dubbed the “Track Too Tough to Tame” because of its distinctive egg-shaped layout. It’s famous for hosting the Southern 500, one of NASCAR’s most prestigious and oldest races.
Darlington Raceway was the first super-speedway created precisely for stock car racing, forming a new standard for NASCAR tracks. Its unique shape and challenging corners have earned it a huge reputation as a driver’s track.
Historic American race track: Altoona Speedway
Location: Tipton, Pennsylvania
Year Opened: 1923
Altoona Speedway was a wooden board track that hosted significant racing events in the 1920s. Its steep banking and high speeds made it a favorite among spectators and drivers.
Altoona Speedway was one of the first tracks to be constructed specifically for auto racing, marking a transformation from horse racing to motor racing in the US. Its end in 1931 marked the end of the board-track era.
Historic American race track: Milwaukee Mile
Location: West Allis, Wisconsin
Year Opened: 1903
Milwaukee Mile is the oldest NASCAR racetrack in our country, and it first opened its gates in September 1903. It’s also the oldest operating motor speedway worldwide. The track can be found at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
And besides NASCAR races, this historic American race track has hosted events endorsed by other notable bodies, such as the American Automobile Association, the United States Auto Club, and IndyCar Series.
Milwaukee Mile was constructed in 1876 as a private horse racing track. In 1891, Wisconsin’s Agricultural Society bought the land to make it a permanent site for the Wisconsin State Fair. In 1903, the first motorsports inauguration was held on the dirt track.
The oval-shaped, one-mile-long racetrack was repaved in 1954. Fun Fact: Milwaukee Mile hosted at least one race each year between 1903 and 2015, shutting down the years when the US participated in World War II.
Historic American race track: Oakland Speedway
Location: Oakland, California
Year Opened: 1921
Oakland Speedway was a famous dirt track that hosted many different types of racing events, including midget car races, motorcycle races, and much more. This is another one that was famous for its challenging layout and high-speed action.
It was also a hotspot for motorsport enthusiasts, drawing in big crowds to catch the thrilling races on its dirt surface. Its closing in 1922 marked the end of an era for dirt track racing in the Bay Area.
Historic American race track: Martinsville Speedway
Location: Ridgeway, Virginia
Year Opened: 1947
Martinsville Speedway might be the shortest track in the NASCAR Cup Series at a mere 0.526 miles in length, but it’s well-known for its short straightaways and tight turns. This makes it a difficult track for drivers.
It’s also one of the oldest continuously operating race tracks in the US, with a history going all the way back to the early days of NASCAR. Its closed-off, paperclip-shaped layout frequently leads to close, intense racing.
Historic American race track: Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Year Opened: 1959
As everyone knows, Daytona International Speedway is where the Daytona 500 takes place, one of NASCAR’s most prominent races. It’s also known for the tri-oval shape of its track and its high-banked turns.
Daytona International Speedway is one of the most iconic race tracks worldwide. It’s been the site of multiple historic moments in motorsport history, including photo finishes and record-breaking speeds.
Its broad infield and grandstands can accommodate hundreds of thousands of onlookers for many notable events.
Which one of these historic American race tracks is your favorite? Please feel free to share your thoughts with our readers in the comments section below. And the next time you book tickets for a race, don’t forget to take your gear with you!
And if you liked this article, Urban Cars Blog recommends you also read: 5 IndyCar Racing History Moments Fans Will NEVER Forget
