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Charlotte Motor Speedway: A History of the "Track Too Tough to Tame"

Anton Chekhov

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Published in Charlotte Motor Speedway History: From Granite To Gold (Sports)

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Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic tracks in NASCAR. It has hosted some of the most memorable races in the sport's history, and it has helped to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in racing.

Charlotte Motor Speedway History: From Granite to Gold (Sports)

by Deb Williams

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	235 pages

The speedway was built in 1959 by Bruton Smith, a local businessman. Smith had a vision of creating a world-class racing facility that would attract the best drivers and teams in the country. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.

Charlotte Motor Speedway opened its doors on June 19, 1959, with a 600-mile race. The race was won by Jim Reed, and it drew a crowd of over 75,000 fans. The speedway quickly became one of the most popular tracks on the NASCAR circuit, and it has hosted the Coca-Cola 600 every year since 1960.

Over the years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has undergone several renovations and expansions. In 1969, the track was repaved and widened. In 1992, the track was extended to 1.5 miles. And in 2000, the track was completely rebuilt. The new track is a state-of-the-art facility that features a 24-degree banking, a four-wide straightaway, and a modern grandstand.

Charlotte Motor Speedway has hosted some of the most memorable races in NASCAR history. In 1960, Fireball Roberts won the Coca-Cola 600 in a thrilling finish. In 1979, Dale Earnhardt won his first Coca-Cola 600. And in 2001, Jeff Gordon won the Coca-Cola 600 in a record-setting performance.

Charlotte Motor Speedway has also helped to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in racing. Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson are just a few of the drivers who have won races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The track has also been the site of some of the most iconic moments in NASCAR history, such as the "Miracle at Charlotte" in 1992 and the "Dale Earnhardt Tribute Race" in 2001.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is a truly iconic track. It has hosted some of the most memorable races in NASCAR history, and it has helped to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in racing. The track is a must-visit for any fan of NASCAR.