Posted in North Carolina Nature February 24, 2017 by

Mother Nature Is Reclaiming This Abandoned NASCAR Track In North Carolina

This abandoned NASCAR track in North Carolina once played host to screaming crowds, roaring engines and zooming racecars. Today, it’s being slowly overtaken by nature. Take a look at these haunting images by photographer Johnny Joo.

The North Wilkesboro Speedway was opened on May 18, 1947.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife
It was the site of some of the most legendary races in NASCAR history.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife
The first race featured one of the famous Flock Brothers and had over 10,000 spectators, which was well above the 3,000 expected attendees.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife
Kenneth Wagner won the first Cup Pole at this track in 1949.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife
The track held 93 Winston Cup Series races and NASCAR events before closing in 1996.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife
Though it briefly reopened in 2010, the track has been slowly crumbling since its abandonment.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife
Grass is starting to push through the pavement and overtake the track.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife
The roaring of the crowd has been replaced by the sound of wind racing through the empty bleachers.
Johnny Joo via Architectural Afterlife

This abandoned speedway is just one of many incredible modern ruins in the South. Check out Johnny Joo’s new book Americana Forgotten for more incredible images of abandoned places around the country.