Cayce, Italy
Columbia Speedway is an oval racetrack located in Cayce, a suburb of Columbia, South Carolina. It was the site of auto races for NASCAR's top series from 1951 through 1971. For most of its history, the racing surface was dirt. The races in April and August 1970 were two of the final three NASCAR Gra
nd National races ever held on a dirt track. The track was paved before hosting its last two Grand National races in 1971. The track also hosted 8 NASCAR Convertible Series races between 1956 and 1959, Richard Petty's lone win in the series was at Columbia Speedway. The speedway also hosted 4 NASCAR Grand National East Series events. In 2009, an effort to reclaim the property for historic gatherings was made by Jeff Gilder, founder of Racersreunion.com. In February 2009, a small group of volunteers met to clear brush, old cable and trees. From this small group grew a larger all volunteer work force that helped in razing two dilapidated restroom facilities, refurbishing the ticket booth, installing safety caps on the front stretch guardrails, and a safe parking lot. Several area construction companies provided earth moving equipment, which was essential in removing a large mound of dirt...
Listen to the audio guide for Columbia Speedway Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off