It was renamed Orange Speedway … My kids are definitely the more wander and pick up rocks kind of walkers, so we just tried to stay out of everyone’s way. Yes this was a real Nascar Speedway and one of the originals. It's a great park just make sure you have someone riding shotgun or you are paying close attention as it's really easy to miss the entrance. 7 Reviews (919) 832-3652 Website. Be sure to put on bug spray. The Occoneechee Speedway was built in 1947 by NASCAR founder Bill France on the site of a 1/2 mile horse track. This 9/10 mile oval track is the only remaining dirt track from the inaugural 1949 NASCAR season. When it opened, the speedway attracted thousands of spectators and was referred to as the Occoneechee/Orange Speedway. There are usually brochures at the trailhead with maps. HOST is a walking trail through natural and cultural history. Stock car races were held here until it closed in 1968. Historic Occoneechee Speedway is one of only three raceways on the National Register of Historic Sites. The Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail is a 44-acre site on the National Register of Historic Places. The original track was a half-mile horse track built by Julian S. Carr for Occoneechee Farms. We saw a lot of hardcore walkers and runners while we were there. The only 1-mile oval dirt track on the Eastern seaboard between two other tracks in Atlanta and Langhorne, Pennsylvania, the speedway served as one of NASCAR’s primary auto racing venues. NASCAR’s last remaining dirt track of the association’s inaugural 1948-49 season, the Occoneechee Speedway once seated up to 5,000 spectators and hosted legendary drivers but now visitors walk instead of drive the 1-mile oval — part of a 3-mile trail that navigates tall … 5 Reviews (919) 832-3652 Website. This 9/10 mile oval track is the only remaining dirt track from the inaugural 1949 NASCAR season. It was renamed Orange Speedway in 1954. Stock car races were held here until it closed in 1968. and the Sunshine Band)'s House, 'Paletz Moi Residence' by Kenneth Hobgood. There are some fun things to see along the way like the old cars and stands where spectators sat. On May 2, 2002, this was the third race track only behind the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Bonneville Salt Flats to receive the honor of being in the National Register of Historic Places, On Sept 15, 1968 the Hillsborough 150 was the last race at the speedway, a 167 lap event. The Occoneechee Speedway Trails are located on Elizabeth Brady Road which is found off US Hwy 70 just east of Hillsborough (not the Bypass 70). Get directions, reviews and information for Historic Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough, NC. HIKING DIRECTIONS to Occoneechee Speedway: Start at the informational wayside display at the south end of the parking area.