Raleigh Speedway, auto race track
Raleigh Speedway was an oval racing track spanning roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) with a paperclip shape, built in 1952 north of Raleigh's center. The track featured long straightaways and banked turns that allowed drivers to maintain high speeds through the corners.
The track opened in 1952 as Southland Speedway with a major 200-mile AAA IndyCar race. Starting in 1953, it became a NASCAR venue and was the first of its kind to host night races under floodlights.
The track no longer exists and was demolished in 1967. The site is now an industrial park, though small sections of pavement remain visible in nearby woods.
The track was groundbreaking as the first NASCAR venue to host night races under floodlights, revolutionizing how races could be scheduled. This innovation made watching more accessible for fans who could attend after sunset.
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