Inside the abandoned NASCAR track once ‘fastest in the country’ overrun by nature and flattened for a parking lot

FLEMINGTON Speedway: The Oldest Operating Race Track with a Rich History

FLEMINGTON Speedway, located in Flemington, New Jersey, holds the honor of being the oldest operating race track in the country. From its humble beginnings as a nineteenth-century fairgrounds horse racing track, it later transformed into a thrilling venue for motor racing enthusiasts.

Initially, the track was a half-mile dirt oval featuring four challenging corners. Then, in 1911, motorcycles were allowed to race on the track, adding an extra element of excitement to the events. The growing popularity of auto racing led to the construction of a grandstand in the venue, which stood proudly until its demolition in 2005.

1955 marked a significant breakthrough for Flemington Speedway. With the introduction of lighting systems, stock car racing took center stage as the weekly attraction during the annual Flemington Fair. It was a time when the track truly came alive, captivating racing enthusiasts from near and far.

In 1966, the speedway underwent a major transformation. Its length was extended to a 5/8th mile, semi-banked rounded rectangle, aptly named “The Square.” This upgrade allowed for faster speeds, further elevating the thrill and intensity experienced by both spectators and drivers.

Fast forward to 1990, an iconic year for Flemington Speedway. The track underwent its final renovation, this time converting it into a paved circuit. The decision to pave the track led to a significant increase in speeds, resulting in a series of thrilling and sometimes precarious crashes.

Flemington Speedway prioritized safety and made necessary improvements to protect the drivers. Foam blocks were added to the walls, minimizing the impact of accidents. The result was a track that pushed boundaries and captured the imagination of fans nationwide, solidifying Flemington Speedway as the “fastest in the country.”

However, despite its glory days, the speedway encountered financial difficulties after being paved. Sadly, in 2002, it met its untimely end and closed its doors for good. The property was eventually sold off to developers, and in 2005, the once vibrant and electrifying speedway was demolished, making way for new endeavors.

Although Flemington Speedway is now a thing of the past, its legacy lives on. Through renderings on Google Earth, one can still catch a glimpse of its former grandeur. Today, a parking lot and Lowe’s store occupy the once hallowed grounds where adrenaline-fueled moments were once the norm.