8 replies to this topic

[HistoricMustang]

This approximate 1/2 mile Oval is located a few miles south of Macon, Georgia (USA) in Byron. It will soon be lost to development.

http://www.racing-re...o/tracks?id=042

http://www.me.umn.ed...ler/700704.html

http://historicmusta...read=1169437079

Photographs should tell the story but let me know if any questions. Race direction was counter-clockwise. You could still do laps on this one.



























Thanks to Rick Perski of Save The Speedway Motorsports (STS), who accompanied AIRPS, for the photographs.

[MPea3]

Henry, was this the track where they once busted a working still on the premesis?

Great photos, pretty nice looking track. Did you also get photos of the track by the ballpark in the city park?

[Frank Verplanken]

Nice pics Henry, thanks for sharing. Considering my avatar . One of the finest of the 1960s festivals took place here. And it was one of Jimi's last performances in the USA too. If the the moonshiners tunnel under the track is still here I say the place should be bought and saved by NASCAR as a place of memory : short track and bootlegers - deep roots of NASCAR in one place !

[Terry Walker]

Looks good from the eye in the sky.

[Gary C]

how long has it been derelict?

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by MPea3
Henry, was this the track where they once busted a working still on the premesis?

Great photos, pretty nice looking track. Did you also get photos of the track by the ballpark in the city park?

This is acurate and was confirmed at the NVRA Banquet Saturday evening:

Middle Georgia Raceway



Middle Georgia Raceway, Macon, Ga.



This half-mile paved oval welcomed the NASCAR big leagues nine times between 1966 and 1971, four of those races were run by Richard Petty, two by Bobby Allison and one each by David Pearson and Bobby Isaac — all Cup champions.



In 1968, government agents raided the racetrack as part of a major illegal liquor sting. A secret door located in the ticket booth led to a ladder, which descended 35 feet to another hidden entrance. That trap door led to a 150-foot tunnel, which ended at a cave beneath the track infield. Inside the cave was a gigantic moonshine still, which was promptly shut down and the track owner was sent to the slammer.



The race, however, was run as planned and won by Pearson enroute to his second series title.

Ticket booth here:


Tunnel passed under the grandstand at this open section and ended in the infield.


Lap of Central City Speedway in Macon, Georgia beginning on front straight:

















Henry

[Jim Thurman]

Originally posted by Gary C
how long has it been derelict?

Gary,

22 years.

According to Allan E. Brown's "The History of America's Speedways - Past & Present", Middle Georgia Raceway last held a race in November of 1984. Apparently re-opened for a month (October through November 1984) after being idle for two years. Operated regularly from 1966 through 1982.

Henry, thanks for posting the pictures

And Terry, thanks for posting the aerial view

[HistoricMustang]

Originally posted by Terry Walker
Looks good from the eye in the sky.

This photograph plainly indicates the "Figure 8" track that incorporated a section of the front straight! Perhaps this type of entertainment may not be understood in other parts of the world. "Figure 8" racing, moonshine and hot Southern nights can produce some very interesting types of activity.

Can any TNF member advise if a race fatality (or more) occured at the Middle Georgia Raceway?

Henry

[HistoricMustang]

1966 photograph which indicates paving might be taking place. No figure "8" track at this time.



1972 photograph



1958 before track was constructed.



Henry