Forum Activity for @robert-mitchell

Aerials of Forsyth County "Dixie Classic" Fairgrounds Speedway in Winston-Salem, NC

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Actually, it is still called Dixie Classic Fair - http://www.dcfair.com/

Aerials of Forsyth County "Dixie Classic" Fairgrounds Speedway in Winston-Salem, NC

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

I will look into it next time I'm at the library. If I find anything I'll post it here.

Aerials of Forsyth County "Dixie Classic" Fairgrounds Speedway in Winston-Salem, NC

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Jack, thanks for the article! I was not aware of this tragedy at the fairgrounds. The article also states the track was designed for harness horse racing instead of motor racing, which I had wrong and will correct in my write-up.

I knew the old fairgrounds track built by Will Reynolds was originally intended for harness racing because that was his passion, but I assumed the horse racing had died out by the time this track was built. That does explain the shape of the track with it's wide front stretch and narrow back stretch, and only a chain link fence for a catch fence...which is why the spectator got killed.

Aerials of Forsyth County "Dixie Classic" Fairgrounds Speedway in Winston-Salem, NC

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Forsyth County Dixie Classic Fairgrounds located in Winston-Salem opened in 1952 after moving from the smaller Piedmont Park Fairgrounds (1897-1951) located 3 miles east beside the Smith Reynolds Airport.

The Dixie Classic Fairgrounds featured a half-mile dirt track built for horse harness racing but also hosted stock car, midget car, and motorcycle racing. And then of course, there was always the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show at the annual fair.

The speedway was the host of 2 NASCAR Grand National events in 1955, both won by Lee Petty.

It also was a regular on the regional AMA flat track circuit through the '60s and '70s.

Here is a nice collection of motorcycle photos at the track - https://plus.google.com/photos/107860458044008963528/albums/5346754380080494881?banner=pwa

In the early '80s the track was demolished as the fairgrounds were reconfigured for a new coliseum that opened in 1987. The grandstands were spared and are now used for (very small) figure 8 races and concerts during the fair.

*Edited for factual errors

Construction in 1951 -

1966 -

1971 -

1978 -

Today -

updated by @robert-mitchell: 12/05/16 04:08:38PM

Anyone know what track this was in Salisbury, NC? **SOLVED** - "Salisbury Sports Arena"

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Thanks, Dennis. I'm ashamed to say I havethat book but didn't even think to look in it. This prompted me to get it out but now I can't even find it! Come to think of it, I believe it was you who brought that book to my attention about a year ago. Awesome book. I can't believe I haven't been using it more.

Anyone know what track this was in Salisbury, NC? **SOLVED** - "Salisbury Sports Arena"

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Thanks for the updates, Robin. I think you guys are going to find something. I believe that's the east turns still showing on the modern aerials. What your friend says about the track only lasting 2 years or less may explain what looks like a huge pool of water in the east turns on the 1965 aerial. The track does look abandoned in that shot.

Have fun and be safe!

Anyone know what track this was in Salisbury, NC? **SOLVED** - "Salisbury Sports Arena"

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

Now with a name I was able to find a couple of articles and ads. The track opened on July 28, 1963 and it was 4/10 mile according to the first article, and a 1/2 mile according to the second article.

Ad & article from July 27, 1963 -

Ad & article from August 8, 1964 -

Anyone know what track this was in Salisbury, NC? **SOLVED** - "Salisbury Sports Arena"

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

That's awesome, Robin! Where you able to see any of the track footprint?

Thanks to Dennis Garrett we now know the track was called Salisbury Sports Arena. Now with a name maybe that will jog some memories if you ask around about it.

Anyone know what track this was in Salisbury, NC? **SOLVED** - "Salisbury Sports Arena"

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

That's it, Dennis! You figured it out! I had given up, but I knew one of you guys here could figure out what this place was. How the heck did you do it? Anyway, great job.

Another forgotten race track remembered.

Anyone know what track this was in Salisbury, NC? **SOLVED** - "Salisbury Sports Arena"

Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks

I really appreciate you checking into it for me, Robin. It's for history!