Story perspectives
NASCAR's Historic Occoneechee Speedway: A Racing Legacy
2/4/2026
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Story summary
- NASCAR originated at the Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
- Julian S. Carr built the one-mile Occoneechee Speedway.
- The speedway hosted NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season and Richard Petty's final race in 1968.
- The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
- It is located at 320 Elizabeth Brady Road, Hillsborough, North Carolina, and offers four miles of trails, pet-friendly access, and free parking.
