Hickory Motor Speedway represents one of the most legendary short tracks in stock car racing history. Built in 1952 by Charlie Combs as a dirt facility, the track held its first NASCAR-sanctioned race on May 18, 1952, with Gwyn Staley taking the victory before a crowd of 4,500 spectators. The speedway was paved with asphalt in 1967, and today measures 0.363 miles with variable banking ranging from 12 to 14 degrees in the turns. This unique configuration has created a challenging proving ground that demands both precision and courage from drivers.
Located in Newton, North Carolina, just off Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70, the facility sits within an hour of Charlotte, the heart of NASCAR country. From 1953 through 1971, Hickory hosted 35 NASCAR Cup Series races, with legends like Tim Flock, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Bobby Isaac claiming victories. The track continued its legacy with NASCAR’s second-tier series from 1982 to 1998, launching the careers of future stars including Bobby Labonte, Dale Jarrett, and Johnny Benson Jr. The speedway has served as a critical stepping stone for champions including the Earnhardt and Jarrett racing families.
The ARCA Menards Series East will make its historic first appearance at Hickory on March 28, 2026, in a 150-lap event that opens the season. This marks a significant moment, bringing together two institutions that both began in the early 1950s. The race will be followed the next weekend by another North Carolina event at Rockingham Speedway.
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