Tacoma Speedway, wooden board track for automobile racing in Tacoma
Tacoma Speedway was a racing track in Lakewood that operated from 1912 to 1922. The circuit ran roughly five miles around what is now Lakeview Avenue and was modified several times, starting as a dirt track before becoming a wooden board track in 1915.
Tacoma Speedway was built in 1912 by local businessmen and ranked among the first racing tracks in the United States. It closed in 1922 when declining popularity and financial challenges made continued operation impossible.
The name Tacoma Speedway came from the nearby city of Tacoma and reflects the passion for speed that brought crowds together. The track served as a gathering place where local people and visitors came to witness racing at the highest level.
The route of the former track can be traced today through Lakewood's streets, which follow the original circuit path along Steilacoom Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive. The Lakewood History Museum displays photographs, scale models, and exhibits about the speedway's history.
Two drivers died on the track during its operation, reflecting the extremely dangerous conditions of the time. The wooden surface was rough and splintered, frequently causing tire damage and crashes that made early motorsport racing a hazardous pursuit.
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