Runnin' Down a Ghost: Wadesboro Speedway
Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks
This particular ghost is not Wadesboro Speedway. It was a 1960's era track, but I haven't (yet) determined its name.
Forum Activity for @bobby-williamson
Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks
This particular ghost is not Wadesboro Speedway. It was a 1960's era track, but I haven't (yet) determined its name.
Runnin' Down a Ghost: Wadesboro Speedway
Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks
Billy Biscoe (arustyracer) said:
Bopper B/W:There used to be an Auto Parts store in downtown Rockingham NC.It was called
Sheppards Auto Parts & Machine
216 S. Lee St.
Rockingham ,NC
last known phone # was 895-5268 ? but I'm fairly certain Roy Greene has retired and closed this business.He should/would know more details about the Wadesboro track.I'm guessing he's still in the area and living the good life?
My own recollections have some of his other family members having something to do with the older 1/2 dirt track called Rockingham Spwy, just down the road from the current facility the AndyH. operates.As with most research it's a lot of work and backtracking to find the real truth , but in the long run seems worth all the efforts.I for one enjoy what you have already done bring back some of these forgotten bull rings of yesteryear.Hope this helps you find a sucessful lead and keep up the great work as you proceed.BB
Thanks guys,
I've got a couple of friends that are native to the area, and still live in Wadesboro. I contacted them recently and they are currently trying to help. I'll try and contact Mr. Greene in Rockingham, gotta be someone out there that remembers something about the old track. There's also confusion as to the the number of tracks called "Wadesboro Speedway". I was under the impression that two different tracks had existed, with the same name, but now, I'm thinking that it was only one track, that operated at two different times...the late '40's and the early to mid '50's. It'd be cool if the state of North Carolina would place a historical marker near the site.
Runnin' Down a Ghost: Wadesboro Speedway
Historic Speedways and Ghost Tracks
It was 1948, NASCAR, concocted at the Streamline Hotel was off and running, literally.Pre-war Ford coupes called 'modifieds' were king, and the entertainment-starved Carolina's could not get enough of this new motorized craziness. Race tracks were springing up every where, and overnight. For the southern land-owner, a new version of the eternal rags-to-riches story was again possible.
Wadesboro, NC PRE- dated Charlotte and Rockingham as host city of a NASCAR car event. In fact, the small town on, US 74, played host during NASCAR's 1948 inaugural season. On May 9th, and June 13th, the modified roared into town with Red Byron and Fonty Flock (respectively) winning. If for no other reason, the ghost of Wadesboro Speedway (if it still exists) is significant and deserves recognition. Wadesboro shares a common bond with Occoneechee and North Wilkesboro, as all were part of that initial season.
I'm looking for the old girl, and may have found her. There's not much to go on, but there is a faintly footprint of a race track 14 miles NW of town, off of hwy 742 and appropriately on "Race Track Road". I am hoping someone can verify this site.
updated by @bobby-williamson: 12/05/16 04:08:38PM
Bobby Dale Earnhardt
General
Nicholas, that would be great! I'm referring to the "Racing Through History" radio program, here, on Racers Reunion Radio on Tuesday nights. We normally have a call-in guest and to have Bobby Dale would be awesome.
Nicholas Giles said:
I might be able to get him on the show will call the agent I am workng with, I am helping elevate him!! Will let ylall know!!
Bobby Williamson said:
Mike, us "Bobby's " gotta stick together LOL!! Maybe we could get Bobby Dale on as a radio guest.
Bobby Dale Earnhardt
General
Mike, us "Bobby's " gotta stick together LOL!! Maybe we could get Bobby Dale on as a radio guest.
Bobby Dale Earnhardt
General
Here's a breath of fresh air........Bobby Dale Earnhardt, yup that's his name, the oldest grandchild of Dale, Sr. wants to be a race driver. The 23 year old, with an unmistakable resemblance to big Dale, has chosen to take the path of his famous grandfather. Currently, Bobby Dale is a cook at Rockingham, NC's Kentucky Fried Chicken, his home town. and is trying to establish a driving career, by the sweat of his brow.
He's politely declined all help from his well-heeled family and is honing his skills by racing dirt-track lawn mowers. Bobby Dale says he's heard all the stories about Dale, Sr. working "hard for everything he got....." and wants to do the same. The younger Earnhardt has a ride for Daytona's ARCA race and recently practiced at the speedway. Observers indicated he had no "pre-conceptions of greatness" and closely listened to all instructions, went out and was 50th on the speed chart of all 58 ARCA cars. This particular goal was not speed, just familiarity.
A throwback to the old days...go Bobby Dale!
updated by @bobby-williamson: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM
Name Me Some Racing Movies Please
Stock Car Racing History
I found "Thunder in Carolina" a few years ago on the back shelf of the local "Movie Max" BEFORE they went out of business, and it was titled "Hard Drivin'".