Occoneechee Speedway was born at the same time as NASCAR, lived a short but spectacular life, and then faded away into the woods in Hillsborough. The forest that hid it for decades has given it new life as a hiking trail.
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In Praise of the Tar Heel State: A Photo Essay
Here’s to the talented North Carolinians whose fancy footwork propels them to great heights, nimble speeds, and feats of creativity.
Quiz: How It’s Made
Yachts in New Bern, drums in Monroe, and hot-air balloons in Statesville: North Carolina manufacturers create products that make our lives easier — and a lot more fun.
A Christmas Wish Granted for Junior Johnson
How a legendary NASCAR driver landed a presidential pardon.
The 1960s: The Fast Cars and Outlaw Heroes of NASCAR
Thanks to the grit of its drivers and the thrill of its events, the sport started by moonshiners shifts into high gear. Born on the dirt tracks of the North Carolina Piedmont, stock car racing becomes a national pastime.
Charlotte Motor Speedway Switches Gears During the Holidays
Charlotte Motor Speedway turns into the slow lane at Christmastime, when even NASCAR drivers downshift to take in the sights.
The Enduring Legacy of No. 3
Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt turned his racing talent into the stuff of legend.
Best-Kept Secrets in the Triangle: Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail
Take a walk through Hillsborough history on one of NASCAR’s original dirt racetracks, where racing legends including Richard Petty and Junior Johnson competed in front of thousands.
Fastest Monkey in the World
The biggest, tallest, truest tale in NASCAR history happened in 1953 on a half-mile dirt track in Hickory. A monkey named Jocko Flocko beat 26 other drivers to take home the checkered flag.
