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Rounding the final turn toward the backstretch. The road I am driving on roughly follows the shape of the original track, with the fenced apartment complex inside the original track oval.
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Benning Race Track opened in 1890, on the east side of Washington, DC, across the Anacostia River and slightly to the northeast of what is now RFK Stadium. Approximately 2,000 people came out to the races that day.
Legalized gambling ended in 1908, and the grandstand was burned to the ground in 1915. However, horse training and car racing continued here for another couple of decades. Attempts to bring horse racing back to Benning in the mid to late 1930s were a failure.
150 acres of the race track property were sold in 1928 to develop Eastland Gardens. A Howard University architecture professor bought the land on which the track sat in 1942, to build the Mayfair Mansions garden apartment complex. Mayfair Mansions opened in 1946, providing housing options for working and middle class African Amrerican families. The site was listed with the Mational Register of Historic Places in 1989.
For a good article on the history of the track: greatergreaterwashington.org/post/4702/lost-washington-be...
To view a satellite image of the site as it looks today: mapq.st/GPmr4F
To view a map of the original track location: www.flickr.com/photos/dckaleidoscope/4300704617/
History ~
The track started out as a rodeo arena called Baker Ranch Stadium in 1927. Its construction was announced in December 1926. It was owned by Roy Baker, brother of shoe businessman C. H. Baker. The stadium held 18,000 spectators. During the Great Depression, it was sold in 1930 to Cowboy actor Hoot Gibson. He used the stadium for movie sets. The stadium was sold to Paul Hill in 1934. The valley that the stadium was in got flooded in 1937. Debris from the flood was too much for Hill to deal with, so the bank got the property.[4]
William Bonelli purchased it and renamed Bonelli Stadium. In 1939, Bonelli started hosting open wheel racing on the flat dirt surface. Crowds of 10,000 to 12,000 watched drivers such as Walt Faulkner, Mel Hansen, Allen Heath, Johnny McDowell, Jack McGrath, Danny Oakes, Troy Ruttman, and Bill Vukovich.[4] The track was part of the United Racing Association in 1940 and 1941. The last race before World War II was held on June 30, 1942. The track was unused in 1943 and 1944, like all racetracks in the United States. The track was the first circuit on the West Coast of the United States to host a post-war race when it reopened on September 9, 1945.[4] Bill Vukovich won the race. Nine races were held that season, and Vukovich was crowned the champion.[4]
The track was paved in 1946, but the pavement was removed and the track returned to dirt. Midget car racing was the national sensation in 1946, drawing large crowds to the track. Roadsters were the main class raced at the track from 1947 until 1950, until midget cars came back.[4] The grandstands in the backstretch needed repairs, so the grandstands from Gilmore Stadium were installed after the track closed in 1950.[4] From 1951 to 1955, the roadsters and midget cars shared the track equally, with occasional rodeos and circuses.[4] The track was paved for a second time in 1956.[4] The first stock car racing event on the track happened in 1957. It was promoted by Tony Coldeway, who later formed the Pacific Racing Association. 23 cars and 523 spectators came to the event.[4] The track became mainly used for stock car events after that event. It featured USAC stock cars, NASCAR Winston West Series, and the NASCAR Southwest Tour.[5] It also hosted the third race in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history during the series' first year on April 15, 1995. Ken Schrader beat Geoffrey Bodine by 1.7 seconds.[6] The race had the slowest speed in Craftsman Truck Series history with an average speed of 43.526 miles per hour (70.048 kilometers per hour).[7] The track closed unexpectedly on July 19, 1995 in the middle of the season after the grandstands had been red-tagged and condemned by the County of Los Angeles.
Aurora Downs opened in 1922, shortly after Aurora Driving Park closed. It operated until 1976, then had a brief but unsuccessful life as Fox Fields, which closed down in 1981. The track site is now known as the Tollway Park of Commerce, which is located west of Route 31 (Lincoln Hwy) and north of Airport Road. It is just south of the Valley Green Golf Course.
Aurora Downs was part of the Central States Fair and Exposition Park, which boasted the "world's largest swimming pool."
The track began its life as a one mile oval that could host both Thoroughbred and harness races, but ended its life as a half mile oval for harness racing only. Perhaps it's greatest claim to fame is hosting the Illinois Derby from 1932 to 1938.
The mural seen in two of these photos is on the side of a building near the fire station in North Aurora. The commerce park entrance lies in the former parking area behind the grandstand. The two lakes are in the barn area, near the top of the stretch. The industrial buildings lie near the front stretch and in the infield area. There is an infield area that is still not developed, seen in one of these photos as an empty field. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of the parking lot that sits where the grandstand used to be, as i didn't find an aerial view of the track until I had already returned from my trip. (Aerial view URL: hickscarworks.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html)
I took several photos at the golf course, from a position in the far NE corner of the course. You can see a couple of the industrial park buildings at the back of the course, representing the backstretch of the Aurora Downs track.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the seventh and largest Disney Vacation Club resort in Disney World, opened on May 17, 2004. Designed by Graham Gund Architects, the 18-Villa building resort was inspired by the city of Saratoga Springs, NY, which is best known for its horse racing.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
The C.K. Holliday of the Disneyland Railroad steaming through the backstretch along the Rivers of America.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
On June 6, 2012, Hofstra University’s Axinn Library hosted the exhibit,“PRIDE - Celebrating the Art of the Backstretch Workers of Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack,” a joint effort between the Library’s Special Collections department and the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.), a non-profit dedicated to meeting the health and social needs of the almost 3,000 workers of the major horse racing tracks in New York State.
The room was packed as the event kicked off with opening remarks from Geri Solomon, Assistant Dean of Special Collections and Hofstra University Archivist, and Bronwyn Hannon, Acquisitions Curator. The administrators spoke about the diverse collection of Hispanic and Latino materials at Hofstra and the advantages of the partnership between B.E.S.T and the university.
Paul Ruchames, Executive Director of B.E.S.T., and Stella Cardenas, Community Outreach Director, then highlighted the work of B.E.S.T., the workers it represents and the art they created. An award and tribute ceremony recognizing all the artists, including the budding artists of Anna’s House, the daycare facility for racetrack workers’ families, ended the opening ceremony.
The three-hour event, which featured music from Grammy-nominated flautist Jay Rodriguez, welcomed more than 90 guests. The evening was enjoyed by all, and organizers hope that their exciting partnership will bring an annual exhibit to Hofstra.
#63a Jesse Long uses some of the backstretch to give the fans a victory wheely, after an intense wheel to wheel battle, with #15 Cameron Smith and #14 Dalton Gauthier for the checker in the Open A (Single Cylinder ) feature at last week AMA District 6 outdoor Flat-Track races at Lampeter PA. Presented by East-Coast-FlatTrackers
“”Adobe CC” NIK Color Efex Pro 4" “Topaz Impression”
© 2014 Doug Miller Photography - www.dougmillerphotos.com
Speed Vision of MD - www.svomd.com
To view the many images from this event, visit the Speed Vision of MD website - www.svomd.com
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Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
Intersection of Pierce and Bogart Avenue. This marks the southern boundary of the track property. The backstretch chute would be ahead on the road to the right.
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Morris Park Racecourse (located in the Morris Park neighborhood of the Bronx) operated from 1889 to 1904. It was the brain child of John Morris and Leonard Jerome. Both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes were run here in 1890, with the latter race remaining at the track until it closed in 1904. Other races with a history at Morris Park include the Champagne Stakes (1890 to 1904), and the Metropolitan Handicap (now known as the Met Mile but originally run at 1 1/8 miles) (1891 to 1904). A more detailed history of the track can be found on Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Park_Racecourse).
The Morris Park track was located on land that is now bounded by Sackett and Pierce Avenues to the south, the Pelham Parkway to the north, Bronxdale Road to the west, and Williamsbridge Road to the east. You can see the track layout on a USGS map from 1900 (docs.unh.edu/NY/harl00se.jpg).
An entire book has been written on the history of the track: DiBrino, Nicholas (1977). The History of the Morris Park Racecourse and the Morris Family. Bronx: Bronx County Historical Society. ISBN 978-0-941980-27-2.
The track configuration was interesting in that the north end was on a hill, forcing horses to run uphill in the backstretch and downhill in the homestretch. Another long straight course, called the Eclipse course, ran diagonally across the infield of the main track, intersecting with it at the finish line. A six furlong race run on the Eclipse course from 1890 to 1896 was known as the "Toboggan Slide;" it continues today as the Toboggan Handicap at Aqueduct Race Track. Due to the downhill configuration, races run on this course were quite fast; a course record was set by August Belmont's filly, Fides, in the first running of the Toboggan Slide.
You can view several photos of the Morris Park track on the Brooklyn Backstretch blog site (bit.ly/hwt46s).
You can also see the layout of the track superimposed over planned roads on Sheets 17 and 18 of the Planning Grid of the Office of the Topographical Bureau of the Bronx (New York Public Library Digital Gallery), circa 1900: bit.ly/I74Qp6 and bit.ly/HOE6my.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
Thoroughbred horse Infinite Wisdom cooling down after the fifth race at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York on Saturday, August 8, 2015.
Inside the dirt track at Saratoga, there are two inner turf tracks. After races on either turf track, the horses and riders would come out onto the backstretch to trot back to the paddock. I took those opportunities to do panning photos.
August 3, 2019 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo makes an announcement at Saratoga Race Course. (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
From left to right:
Vyce (#6)
Dr/Tr: Evan Coblentz
Y F Angel (#3)
Dr: Jeff Sweeney
Tr: Lawrence Young
Joel's Time Out (#8)
Dr: Joe Casagranda
Tr: Scott De Mull
Just Walter (#4)
Dr: Eric Carlson
Tr: John Kina
Kristy Sue (#5)
Dr: Randy Lake
Tr: Gayle Thurlow
Saint Pat (#2)
Dr: Don Sherman
Tr: Marie St. Charles
True High Voltage (#1)
Dr/Tr: Scott Altizer
S F Scorpion (#7)
Dr/Tr: Dave Rose
The 140th running of the Belmont Stakes was held on June 7 2008 in front 94,476 spectators who withstood unseasonally oppressive heat with the hopes of watching Big Brown (#1) become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. But the Alan Garcia-ridden and Nick Zito-trained Da'Tara (#6), a 38-to-1 longshot, led the 1½ miles end to end and claimed a 5 1/4 length victory over Denis of Cork (#4) with a time of 2:29.65. There was a dead heat for third between Anak Nakal and Ready's Echo.
Big Brown had won the 134th Kentucky Derby by 4 3⁄4 lengths over filly Eight Belles, who would be euthanized after breaking both front ankles during the post-race cool-down; and the 133rd P reakness Stakes by 5 1/4 lengths over Macho Again. Ridden by Kent Desormeaux and trained by Rick Dutrow, he entered the Belmont Stakes undefeated and a 1-to-4 favorite. Desormeaux had Big Brown third on the outside with a clear path down the backstretch. But the horse didn't respond and Desormeaux pulled up, making Big Brown the first challenger for the Triple Crown to finish dead last.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
Taken during Free Practice 2 at Circuit of the Americas. Taken with my Sony SAL55300 lens while standing near turn 11.
This was a new spot for me to take pictures and I quite liked it. I am looking over the fence and watching the cars fly down the backstretch after the hairpin at turn 11. There are a lot of great placed for viewing at COTA and this is one more on that list.
Sebastian Vettel drives past in his Red Bull RB10.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
Patrol Judge Ruben Hernandez watches the field of race 9 at Los Alamitos Race Course in Los Alamitos, California, U.S.A. (July 5, 2014)
Photo © 2014 Marcie Heacox, all rights reserved. FOR PERSONAL VIEWING OR EDITORIAL PURPOSES ONLY. Contact mheacox87 [at] hotmail.com for permission.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
Aurora Downs opened in 1922, shortly after Aurora Driving Park closed. It operated until 1976, then had a brief but unsuccessful life as Fox Fields, which closed down in 1981. The track site is now known as the Tollway Park of Commerce, which is located west of Route 31 (Lincoln Hwy) and north of Airport Road. It is just south of the Valley Green Golf Course.
Aurora Downs was part of the Central States Fair and Exposition Park, which boasted the "world's largest swimming pool."
The track began its life as a one mile oval that could host both Thoroughbred and harness races, but ended its life as a half mile oval for harness racing only. Perhaps it's greatest claim to fame is hosting the Illinois Derby from 1932 to 1938.
The mural seen in two of these photos is on the side of a building near the fire station in North Aurora. The commerce park entrance lies in the former parking area behind the grandstand. The two lakes are in the barn area, near the top of the stretch. The industrial buildings lie near the front stretch and in the infield area. There is an infield area that is still not developed, seen in one of these photos as an empty field. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of the parking lot that sits where the grandstand used to be, as i didn't find an aerial view of the track until I had already returned from my trip. (Aerial view URL: hickscarworks.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html)
I took several photos at the golf course, from a position in the far NE corner of the course. You can see a couple of the industrial park buildings at the back of the course, representing the backstretch of the Aurora Downs track.
Jimmy Johnson leads the race after the restart, as the cars come out of turn 2 and head down the backstretch.
Can't remember where I took this picture! Leaving it here in case I remember later what it represents!
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Morris Park Racecourse (located in the Morris Park neighborhood of the Bronx) operated from 1889 to 1904. It was the brain child of John Morris and Leonard Jerome. Both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes were run here in 1890, with the latter race remaining at the track until it closed in 1904. Other races with a history at Morris Park include the Champagne Stakes (1890 to 1904), and the Metropolitan Handicap (now known as the Met Mile but originally run at 1 1/8 miles) (1891 to 1904). A more detailed history of the track can be found on Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morris_Park_Racecourse).
The Morris Park track was located on land that is now bounded by Sackett and Pierce Avenues to the south, the Pelham Parkway to the north, Bronxdale Road to the west, and Williamsbridge Road to the east. You can see the track layout on a USGS map from 1900 (docs.unh.edu/NY/harl00se.jpg).
An entire book has been written on the history of the track: DiBrino, Nicholas (1977). The History of the Morris Park Racecourse and the Morris Family. Bronx: Bronx County Historical Society. ISBN 978-0-941980-27-2.
The track configuration was interesting in that the north end was on a hill, forcing horses to run uphill in the backstretch and downhill in the homestretch. Another long straight course, called the Eclipse course, ran diagonally across the infield of the main track, intersecting with it at the finish line. A six furlong race run on the Eclipse course from 1890 to 1896 was known as the "Toboggan Slide;" it continues today as the Toboggan Handicap at Aqueduct Race Track. Due to the downhill configuration, races run on this course were quite fast; a course record was set by August Belmont's filly, Fides, in the first running of the Toboggan Slide.
You can view several photos of the Morris Park track on the Brooklyn Backstretch blog site (bit.ly/hwt46s).
You can also see the layout of the track superimposed over planned roads on Sheets 17 and 18 of the Planning Grid of the Office of the Topographical Bureau of the Bronx (New York Public Library Digital Gallery), circa 1900: bit.ly/I74Qp6 and bit.ly/HOE6my.
August 03, 2019- Saratoga Springs, NY- Governor Andrew Cuomo makes an announcement proclaiming August 03, 2019 as Mary Lou Whitney Day and announces Mary Lou Backstretch Pavilion.
HAPPY VALLEY RACE TRACK
Fodor's Review:
Hong Kong punters are the world's most avid horse-racing fans, and the track in Happy Valley—opened in 1845, soon after the British first arrived in the territory—is one of their headquarters (the other being the newer, larger track in Sha Tin, in the New Territories). Races alternate between the tracks but are generally held in Happy Valley on Wednesday night or weekends from September through June.
The joy of the Happy Valley track, even for those who aren't into horses, is that it's smack in the middle of the city and surrounded by towering apartment blocks—indeed, people whose balconies hang over the backstretch often have parties on racing days.
August 3, 2019 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo makes an announcement at Saratoga Race Course. (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
On the backstretch Ryan Newman Kasey Kahne Jimmie Johnson Clint Bowyer Jeff Burton John Andretti Reed Sorenson and Casey Mears in the Daytona 500
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
August 03, 2019- Saratoga Springs, NY- Governor Andrew Cuomo makes an announcement proclaiming August 03, 2019 as Mary Lou Whitney Day and announces Mary Lou Backstretch Pavilion.
Aurora Downs opened in 1922, shortly after Aurora Driving Park closed. It operated until 1976, then had a brief but unsuccessful life as Fox Fields, which closed down in 1981. The track site is now known as the Tollway Park of Commerce, which is located west of Route 31 (Lincoln Hwy) and north of Airport Road. It is just south of the Valley Green Golf Course.
Aurora Downs was part of the Central States Fair and Exposition Park, which boasted the "world's largest swimming pool."
The track began its life as a one mile oval that could host both Thoroughbred and harness races, but ended its life as a half mile oval for harness racing only. Perhaps it's greatest claim to fame is hosting the Illinois Derby from 1932 to 1938.
The mural seen in two of these photos is on the side of a building near the fire station in North Aurora. The commerce park entrance lies in the former parking area behind the grandstand. The two lakes are in the barn area, near the top of the stretch. The industrial buildings lie near the front stretch and in the infield area. There is an infield area that is still not developed, seen in one of these photos as an empty field. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of the parking lot that sits where the grandstand used to be, as i didn't find an aerial view of the track until I had already returned from my trip. (Aerial view URL: hickscarworks.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html)
I took several photos at the golf course, from a position in the far NE corner of the course. You can see a couple of the industrial park buildings at the back of the course, representing the backstretch of the Aurora Downs track.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
August 3, 2019 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo makes an announcement at Saratoga Race Course. (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
Looking from the first turn towards the turn into the backstretch (located approximately on the left side of the empty building in the background).
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Bainbridge Park Race Track (later known as Grandview Race Track) was located north of the old Geauga Lake Park along Route 43 in Aurora, south of Pettibone Road. It is now the site of the Marketplace II shopping center, which includes Home Depot and Target.
The track originally opened in 1927, although gambling on horse races wasn't legalized in Ohio until 1939. (According to the Aurora Historical Society, the track opened while the Geauga County sheriff was out of town, & thereafter law enforcement turned a blind eye to what went on there.) Apparently part of the track was in Cuyahoga County, but the Cuyahoga sheriff there couldn't do much about it since the actual gambling took place in Geauga County. A gambling casino called the Pettibone Club (later the Arrow Club) operated from 1939-1949 on the other side of Pettibone Road. In later years, the track hosted auto and greyhound racing, until the grandstand burned down in 1956.
Bainbridge Park has some other claims to fame. Specifically, the Ohio Derby was run there for a while. Sunfire won the 1928 Ohio Derby at Bainbridge in course record time of 1:52 1/5 for a mile & an eighth. Sunfire's trainer, T.J. Healey, is in the US Racing Hall of Fame. Further, the Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Arcaro rode in his first race at Bainbridge on May 18, 1931, illegally since he was still too young to get a jockey's license.
At the time of demolition, Bainbridge had a one mile outer track which was used for auto racing from 1946-1951, and a smaller, inner half mile track built in the 1950s that was used for harness racing. Part of the larger track (and perhaps even the smaller track) is still visible in aerial images from Google Maps, behind the Home Depot building.
See some additional aerial views of the former track property here:
www.ohiovalleydtr.com/showthread.php?t=7361
Some photos from when Bainbridge was an auto track (may need login to view):
jimmiesoldtimeracing.mywowbb.com/forum10/683.html
Other useful links:
aurorahistorical.org/about/ask-our-historians/
pilgrimvillage.net/history_of_bainbridge.pdf
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
This weekend we will have the Indy 300 Sao Paulo, last week walked the backstretch 300km / h...... slower..... :(
Camera: Blackbery 9000 a.k.a. HAL9000
apr.2011
In a salute to first responders, police motorcyclists and police cars ride and drive down the backstretch.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.
August 3, 2019 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo makes an announcement at Saratoga Race Course. (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)
The race hits the backstretch at Oaklawn Park and the flag and wind cooperate for this capture.
On a personal note, I'll be out of town for the weekend. (Of course I will have my camera) I'll be back Monday with more for you to see, and hopefully, comment on.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It lies approximately 51 miles (82.1 km) northeast of Orlando, 86 miles (138.4 km) southeast of Jacksonville, and 265 miles (426.5 km) northwest of Miami. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, it had a population of 61,005. It is a principal city of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area, which was home to 600,756 people as of 2013. Daytona Beach is also a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida.
The city is historically known for its beach, where the hard-packed sand allows motorized vehicles to drive on the beach in restricted areas. This hard-packed sand made Daytona Beach a mecca for motorsports, and the old Daytona Beach Road Course hosted races for over 50 years. This was replaced in 1959 by Daytona International Speedway. The city is also the headquarters for NASCAR.
Daytona Beach hosts large groups of out-of-towners during the year, who visit the city for various events, notably Speedweeks in early February when over 200,000 NASCAR fans come to attend the season-opening Daytona 500. Other events include the NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 race in July, Bike Week in early March, Biketoberfest in late October, and the 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race in January.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, the most prestigious race in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, IMSA, SCCA, and Motocross. The track features multiple layouts including the primary 2.5-mile (4.0 km) high-speed tri-oval, a 3.56-mile (5.73 km) sports car course, a 2.95-mile (4.75 km) motorcycle course, and a 1,320-foot (400 m) karting and motorcycle flat-track. The track's 180-acre (73 ha) infield includes the 29-acre (12 ha) Lake Lloyd, which has hosted powerboat racing. The speedway is owned and operated by International Speedway Corporation.
The track was built in 1959 by NASCAR founder William "Bill" France, Sr. to host racing that was held at the former Daytona Beach Road Course. His banked design permitted higher speeds and gave fans a better view of the cars. Lights were installed around the track in 1998, and today it is the third-largest single lit outdoor sports facility. The speedway has been renovated four times, with the infield renovated in 2004 and the track repaved in 1978 and 2010. The track is 50 miles north of Orlando.
On January 22, 2013, the fourth speedway renovation was unveiled. On July 5, 2013, ground was broken on "Daytona Rising" to remove backstretch seating and completely redevelop the frontstretch seating. The renovation was by design-builder Barton Malow Company in partnership with Rossetti Architects. The project was completed in January 2016, and cost US $400 million. It emphasized improved fan experience with five expanded and redesigned fan entrances (called "injectors"), as well as wider and more comfortable seats, and more restrooms and concession stands. After the renovations were complete, the track's grandstands had 101,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase permanent seating to 125,000. The project was finished before the start of Speedweek in 2016.