CHEROKEE SPEEDWAY

South Caralina: USA.

1950's - CHEROKEE SPEEDWAY

1960's - CHEROKEE SPEEDWAY.

During the early 1960's it was decided to extend the length of the race track to a 1/2 mile.

Sometime after 2006 and before 2010 Cherokee Speedway has been brought back to a 3/8 mile high banked dirt oval speedway track.

Dirt Behind The Scenes's Reported.

THE FORGOTTEN RACE TRACK.

That's Never Talked About.

Tucked away behind the main Cherokee Speedway, sits this small almost forgotten dirt track that many fans dont even realize exists. This hidden oval is more than just forgotten clay. Its a quite and hidden piece of Southern history.

The track was built by Longtime Cherrokee Speedway owner Rock Gault as a contingencey plan during the construction of Interstate 85. At the time, there were real

concerns that the highway project might cut right through the heart of the Cherokee speedway. Rather than risk losing racing altogether, Gault did what racers have always done best: adapt. The smaller dirt track was constructed to ensure that racing could continue no matter what the future held.

Originally, the track served as a backup and a place for practice, and testing, while the surrounding infrastructure took shape. It existed in the shadow of the famed oval, proudly known as "The Place Your Momma Warned You About", but it played a crucial role in keeping the spirit of Cherokee Speedway alive during uncertain times.

Over the years, the little track took on a life of its own. Local lore says it became a private testing ground for non other than the Legendary Mike Duvall, "The Flintstone Flyer". Duvall used the hidden oval as a personal test track, dialing in car's, experimenting with setup's, and sharpening his edge away from the spotlight. It has been also reported he used the oval for part of his driving school. The small, out of sight track reflects an era when racing ingenuity mattered just as much as horsepower. It stands as a reminder of the rapid infrastructure changes of the time, the determination of local promoters like Rock Gault, and the legends who quietly shaped the sport behind the scenes.

While it may not host packed grandstands or headline events, the hidden dirt track behind Cherokee Speedway remains a symbol of pure grassroots racing, and a place where history was made without ever needing to be advertised.

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1995 - CHEROKEE SPEEDWAY. Blue - Gray 100. 19th November 1995.

David Allio / Racing Photography Archives Photo feature

19th November 1995 - Garry Webb [56] Chevrolet Camaro slides over the turn two cushion during the preliminaries to the STARS Million Dollar Series 5th Annual Blue - Gray 100 at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney. South Carolina. Photographer: David Allio.

2012 - CHEROKEE SPEEDWAY

David Allio / Racing Photography Archives photo feature.

18th November 2012 - Jim Ivey in his number 46 Ford Fairlane hits and drives up the wall in turn 2 during a vintage car race at Cherokee Speedway. Photographer: David Allio.

2014 - CHEROKEE SPEEDWAY. GRASSY SMITH MEMORIAL. 20th June 2014.

David Allio / Racing Photography Archives photo feature

20th June 2014 - Don ONeal [5] Clint Boyer BWRC Toyota Camry driver celebrates winning the 16th annual Grassy Smith Memorial 50 lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney. South Carolina. Photographer: David Allio.