Columbia Speedway
Encyclopedia
Columbia Speedway was an oval racetrack located in Cayce
, a suburb of Columbia, South Carolina
. It was the site of auto races
for NASCAR
's top series from 1951 through 1971. For most of its history, the racing surface was dirt. The races in April and August 1970 were two of the final three Grand National races ever held on a dirt track. The track was paved before hosting its last two Grand National races in 1971.
In 2009 an effort to reclaim the property for historic gatherings was made by Jeff Gilder, founder of Racersreunion.com. The first gathering was April 25. Over 30,000 fans from 17 states attended the "First Annual Historic Columbia Speedway Spring Festival". The second annual event will be held April 14–17, 2010.
Cayce, South Carolina
Cayce is a city in Lexington and Richland counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, along the Congaree River. The population was 12,150 at the 2000 census...
, a suburb of Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
. It was the site of auto races
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
for NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
's top series from 1951 through 1971. For most of its history, the racing surface was dirt. The races in April and August 1970 were two of the final three Grand National races ever held on a dirt track. The track was paved before hosting its last two Grand National races in 1971.
In 2009 an effort to reclaim the property for historic gatherings was made by Jeff Gilder, founder of Racersreunion.com. The first gathering was April 25. Over 30,000 fans from 17 states attended the "First Annual Historic Columbia Speedway Spring Festival". The second annual event will be held April 14–17, 2010.