MISSOURI (USA)
*********************************************************************************************************************************
1937 - OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS
The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds opened as a 1/2 mile dirt oval speedway track in 1937 on the Springfield Fairgrounds. Racing events mainly worked around the fairs held during the year. This continued up until the outbreak of World War 2.
After the end of the war racing did return an a 1/4 mile track was added as well, but that didnt prove to be very popular. However during the 1950's with the rise of interest in Stock Car racing the 1/4 mile track was paved and reopened.
By the 1970's the promotor sealed the big 1/2 mile oval. This as expected attracted some of the bigger names to come and race, such as Mark Martin and Donnie Allison.
Because of the sealing of the 1/2 mile track the smaller 1/4 mile was returned to dirt. This period was a successful one. Even so the Fair Board pulled the plug on all motor racing at the venue in 1987.
Photographer: unknown.
*********************************************************************************************************************************
1996 - OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS Location.
*********************************************************************************************************************************
2019 - OZARK EMPIRE FAIRGROUNDS Location.
