Historic Occaneechee Speedway – Hillsborough, North Carolina - Atlas Obscura
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Historic Occaneechee Speedway

Hillsborough, North Carolina

One of the few surviving original NASCAR dirt-track speedways. 

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Rusty old race cars are still at the old Occoneechee Speedway, which is the last remaining dirt track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
Rusty old race cars are still at the old Occoneechee Speedway, which is the last remaining dirt track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
Welcome/informational sign Hmh (Atlas Obscura User)
The viewing stands edboltz (Atlas Obscura User)
Flag Stand for starting and finishing the race edboltz (Atlas Obscura User)
A view of the track from the stands. kaitlinsmith24 (Atlas Obscura User)
A view of the track from the track. kaitlinsmith24 (Atlas Obscura User)
Another old Stock Car edboltz (Atlas Obscura User)
Inside an old race car at Occoneechee Speedway. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
The old stone bleachers are still alongside the dirt track and grandstands. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
Rusty racecars are still sitting out by the abandoned Occoneechee Speedway. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
Dusty old grandstands and vintage Pepsi logo are still standing at Occoneechee Speedway. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
Remains of an old sign and Pepsi logo at Occoneechee Speedway. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
Rusty old race cars are still at the old Occoneechee Speedway, which is the last remaining dirt track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
Rusty old race cars are still at the old Occoneechee Speedway, which is the last remaining dirt track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. NC Hidden History (Atlas Obscura User)
The Path to the Speedway kaitlinsmith24 (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail is a 44-acre site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Four miles of trails take visitors along the banks of the Eno River to the only surviving dirt speedway from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season. The 1-mile oval Occoneechee/Orange Speedway was active from 1948- 1968, attracting the best stock car drivers and thousands of spectators. Today, this unique outdoor site allows for a diverse range of activities and is enjoyed by individual hikers, joggers, and other sports enthusiasts.

Know Before You Go

Wear good walking shoes and bring bug spray. Parking is limited. No access after sunset.

cars sports history & culture
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