Lakewood Speedway

Lakewood Speedway was a prominent racing venue in the United States, hosting various events, including IndyCar and NASCAR races, from 1917 to 1979. The speedway was built by Asa Candler, the founder of The Coca-Cola Company, and William Ward, a businessman and racing enthusiast, with the help of Indianapolis Motor Speedway designers. The speedway's construction was influenced by the success of other racing venues, such as Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. The speedway's early years were marked by events featuring notable drivers, including Barney Oldfield and Ralph DePalma, who competed in American Automobile Association (AAA) sanctioned events.

● History

The history of Lakewood Speedway dates back to 1916, when Asa Candler and William Ward began construction on the site, which was initially intended for horse racing and polo events. However, with the growing popularity of automobile racing, the venue was converted to a speedway, hosting its first event in 1917, featuring drivers such as Eddie Pullen and Gaston Chevrolet. The speedway quickly gained popularity, attracting notable drivers, including Louis Chevrolet and Tommy Milton, who competed in events sanctioned by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the United States Auto Club (USAC). The speedway's history was also marked by its association with the Southern States Championship, which featured drivers such as Lee Petty and Buck Baker.

● Location and Layout

Lakewood Speedway was located in Atlanta, Georgia, near the Chattahoochee River, and was situated on a 240-acre site, which included a 1.5-mile dirt track and a 0.5-mile asphalt track. The speedway's layout was designed by Preston Tucker, an engineer and racing enthusiast, who also designed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The speedway's location and layout made it an ideal venue for racing events, with its proximity to Downtown Atlanta and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The speedway was also near other notable racing venues, including the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Road Atlanta circuit.

● Major Events

Lakewood Speedway hosted numerous major events during its operational years, including the Southern 500, which featured drivers such as Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough. The speedway also hosted events sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), including the Grand National Series, which featured drivers such as Lee Petty and Buck Baker. The speedway's events were often attended by notable figures, including Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter and NASCAR President Bill France Sr.. The speedway's major events were also covered by prominent media outlets, including ESPN, CBS Sports, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

● Notable Drivers

Lakewood Speedway was home to many notable drivers, including Barney Oldfield, who set a world speed record at the speedway in 1917, and Ralph DePalma, who won several events at the speedway, including the 1919 Southern States Championship. Other notable drivers who competed at the speedway included Louis Chevrolet, Tommy Milton, and Eddie Pullen, who all won events sanctioned by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the United States Auto Club (USAC). The speedway also hosted events featuring drivers such as Lee Petty, Buck Baker, and Richard Petty, who all competed in NASCAR events at the speedway.

● Legacy and Impact

Lakewood Speedway's legacy and impact on the world of motorsports are still felt today, with many notable drivers and racing personalities, including Mario Andretti and Darrell Waltrip, citing the speedway as an influence on their careers. The speedway's history and significance have been recognized by the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which have both inducted notable drivers and personalities associated with the speedway. The speedway's impact on the city of Atlanta, Georgia has also been significant, with the speedway's events and operations contributing to the local economy and helping to establish Atlanta as a major hub for motorsports in the United States, alongside other notable racing venues, such as Daytona International Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The speedway's legacy continues to be celebrated by racing fans and enthusiasts, who remember the speedway's rich history and its contributions to the world of motorsports, including its association with notable events, such as the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500.