the old rutherfordton race track
Stock Car Racing History
Hi David,
One of my FAV-O-RITE childhood memories is going to the Rutherford County Speedway on Friday nights. BTW- You're exactly right - it's pronounced "rull'-a-furd" and the town is pronounced "Rulf'-tun". It was such an awesome experience...my dad was with the Forest City Jaycees and they had a food and drink trailer there in the in-field. So we got to stay in the in-field to watch the races, and talk to the drivers, and get up close to the cars and all...not to mention free drinks and hot dogs...;)
My Mom used to have a fit trying to keep up with me and my 3 brothers. I used to dream of being able to drive that dirt track and race with the big boys ... but being a girl, my friends said it wasn't allowed. And for those who couldn't afford to get in ... or it was prohibited for church reasons ... they would climb up into the pine trees to watch.
The sound of those cars roaring around the track, spinning out in the curves, and all the red dust that just boiled up into the air was something to behold. It felt like THUNDER in your chest, and left me wide eyed every time. I would be so wound up by the time we headed back to Shiloh, my brothers used to tell me to "just shut up!" hahaha! I didn't care... my Dad would listen.
I moved away in the 9th grade and got a '67 Mustang when I turned 16... I loved that car, and drove it like a demon with her hair on fire... hahaha. When I came back in my early 20's, the race track was gone and there were buildings everywhere. I hated that ... sure hope someone has photos and the stats of who drove there. I would love to see them.
I still think about racing every time I drive throught the mountains ...swing high going in and stay low in the curves ... move to the inside when you see an opening and step on the gas half way through the curve ... it just slings you right through... what a thrill!
Thanks for asking and for the opportunity to share.
J. Benoy