Tucked away in the woods near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, lies a forgotten piece of NASCAR history. The iconic Occoneechee Speedway now sits in silence in nature. Trees and bushes cover the faded grandstands, and rusted race cars remain abandoned near the track. Formerly owned and managed by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. the one-mile dirt oval has hosted several NASCAR stars.

Despite remaining untouched for over 50 years, the speedway’s story isn’t over. In a historic move, North Carolina’s government has stepped in to preserve this relic of racing history. Through a new land deal, the track will now become part of the Eno River State Park.

Occoneechee Speedway finds a second chance!

Notably, the track was one of the first two NASCAR tracks to open in 1949. For nearly 20 years, it hosted some of the biggest names in the sport. But in 1968, it fell silent. Local opposition to Sunday racing led to its closure, and the track never saw another lap. Now, the remnants of the speedway stand as a ghostly reminder of NASCAR’s roots.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources recently finalized a 200-acre land deal to expand the Eno River State Park. This deal, including Occoneechee Speedway, protects the track’s historical significance for future generations. Instead of fading into obscurity, the speedway will now be part of a preserved natural and cultural site.

While developers demolished or redeveloped many historic tracks, Occoneechee remains largely untouched. The track’s addition to the state park secures its place in NASCAR history. Visitors can now walk the old racing grounds and see the rusted remains of race cars. Speaking about the deal DNCR Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell said, “We are excited about this expansion, made possible through a unique partnership between the Division of Parks and Recreation and two dedicated conservation groups, the Eno River Association and the Jenrette Foundation.”

Notably, Eno River State Park, located just northwest of Durham, is a scenic stretch of protected land. It offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and breathtaking views of the Eno River. Rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes characterize the park, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. With the inclusion of Occoneechee Speedway, the park adds another attraction.

The track was home to horse racing before turning into a dirt race paradise. It was once part of Occoneechee Farm, named after the Native American tribe that inhabited the area. In the late 19th century, businessman Julian Carr used the site for equestrian events. In the 1940s, NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. saw the potential of the track. He transformed it into a one-mile dirt oval, making it one of NASCAR’s first official tracks.

However, Occoneechee Speedway was nearing its end. As NASCAR expanded, pressure from local officials and churches led to its closure in 1968. Unlike other tracks that were repurposed, Occoneechee was simply abandoned, left to the elements for over 50 years. Now, with its inclusion in Eno River State Park, the speedway gets a second chance.

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Other forgotten gems of NASCAR

Occoneechee Speedway is not the only historic track that was left to decay. NASCAR’s modernization resulted in the loss of many early venues. One of these includes North Wilkesboro Speedway. The track was first introduced in 1947 and remained a staple for decades. However, in 1996, its Cup Series races were moved to larger venues, and the track was abandoned.

Later Dale Earnhardt Jr. sparked its revival. In 2021, North Carolina’s government invested $18 million in renovations. The track hosted the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race and remains part of the Cup Series schedule. However, every track is not lucky enough to get another chance. Tracks like Rockingham Speedway, Raleigh Speedway, and Texas World Speedway didn’t get a chance of revival.

While many tracks have been lost, Occoneechee Speedway stands apart. It may never host another race, but its legacy remains intact. Thanks to North Carolina’s commitment to preservation, one of NASCAR’s oldest surviving tracks will continue to tell the story of stock car racing’s early days.