The recent revival of North Wilkesboro Speedway brought to light other NASCAR venues in need of a similar resurrection. Short tracks throughout the country are being left to crumble, becoming more a part of the history and not so much the present or future of the sport.
NASCAR’s roots run deep through Greenville-Pickens Speedway in Easley, South Carolina. Unfortunately, recent decisions have left the track standing lonely.
The History
GPS opened in 1940 as a dirt track but was paved in 1970, fifteen years after NASCAR began racing at the track. It is most famously known for hosting the first flag-to-flag race aired on television in 1971. The event was broadcast on ABC’s Wide World of Sports with Jim McKay, Chris Economaki, and Ken Squire on the call.
The track was a prime location for NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series testing until private test sessions were banned in 2015.
The K&N East Series raced at GPS until 2017 and saw numerous future Cup, Xfinity, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers win there. Some of those names include Justin Haley, Ben Rhodes, Corey LaJoie, Joey Logano, and so many more.
Countless Late Model Champions over the years raced at the half-mile track, including Ralph Earnhardt, David Pearson, and Marty Ward.
For numerous years, Greenville-Pickens has hosted Saturday night racing which has been a big draw for locals. Four-time Renegade Division Champion, Bobby Emory, spoke fondly of his years racing at GPS. His father raced there and, in turn, the young Emory spent most Saturday nights at the track. Ten years ago, Emory, with the help of his father, bought a car and it was his turn to race under the lights on Saturday nights.
In that time, he won three Championships at GPS with his father (2015, 2016, 2018), and again in 2020, running for Robin Darnell. In all, Emory has won over 30 races in his career.
The Future
Despite the incredible history, in February of 2023, a ‘For Sale’ sign hit the property. What happened next was mostly a swirl of rumors. One stated that former driver, Benny Brezeale had purchased the property as well as land surrounding the track. Other rumors claimed offers had been made but not accepted. In short, not a lot of information has been provided to the general public.
However, what is known is that a campaign has been started to save the speedway. The short-term mission is to get racing back on track this summer. The long-term hope is that momentum would be gained so more short-track racing can return to the Upstate of South Carolina.
And all race fans know what a little momentum can do.
Fueled by Fans
Current fundraising efforts include t-shirt sales and a GoFundMe. The GoFundMe states that the current owner, Kevin Whitaker, has “agreed to rent out the track” for the 2023 season. It is worth noting there are also private donations and corporate sponsors stepping up to the plate to assist in the efforts.
In the event sufficient funds are not raised, the money donated will go to another worthwhile cause – Shriners Hospital for Children. However, if racing does return, the Shriners Race will also make a comeback.
Beyond donating or purchasing a t-shirt, racing fans, near or far, can share any and all information related to the speedway revival. Passing along pertinent information will undoubtedly get more eyes on the rescue efforts.
Challenge Issued
A Checkered Past Podcast, which is based in Easley, issued a Driver Challenge. Podcast host, Steve Guthrie, asked drivers to consider donating $1,000 towards the efforts to ‘Save Our Speedway.’ In return, drivers that accept the challenge will receive:
- Two free pit passes for every single race during the 2023 season
- Season tickets for two people to all races and other special events hosted at the racetrack in 2023
- One set of tires which may be taken at any point throughout the season
- Ten free gallons of fuel for one race of the drivers’ choice during the season
A local fan presented this challenge to Austin Dillon during a Q&A session during the All-Star Race weekend. Dillon won a 2008 K&N East race at GPS and, upon receiving the challenge, quickly agreed to donate $1,000 to the campaign in the event he won at North Wilkesboro. Unfortunately, Dillon came up short on that night.
Recent comments by those behind the fundraising efforts state, “We’re close,” along with, “News coming soon!”
Until then, race fans in the Upstate of SC hold on, hoping that short-track racing will return to Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
When asked what he would like to see happen with GPS, it was an easy answer. Emory said, “I would love to race again at GPS. It’s like home.
“I want it to re-open so families can spend Saturdays at the track and see good racing.”
Keep Up to Date
Visit any of the following links to keep up with the efforts to bring racing back to Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
It’s sad that Kevin all the money he’s got hope he never sales a car again