To most people, Dixie Speedway is a local institution on Highway 92 in Woodstock. But hard as it may seem to believe, it hasn’t always been there. The speedway opened in 1969, and in recognition of its 45 years in the community, the Cherokee Historical Society Museum has launched a temporary exhibit “At the Races: Dixie Speedway.” The exhibit will be open through July 26 at the museum, located at 100 North St., Canton.
The exhibit features a pictorial history of the speedway, as well as information about the drivers and the Swims family which operates it. When it opened in 1969, the speedway was nothing more than a dirt track. It was paved later, but only for a short time – it was converted back to the dirt track that it is today.
Racing legend Bud Lunsford and Cherokee County businessman were among the early owners and operators. The family of Mickey Swims has owned it the longest. Drivers who have raced at Dixie Speedway include Bobby Allison, Bill Elliott, Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, Scott Bloomquist and Charlie Mincey.
Visit the museum, open Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., to learn more about the speedway and the how it has contributed to Cherokee County.
For more information call 770-345-3288 or visit www.rockbarn.org
Photo Courtesy of WoodstockGA.gov
Leave a Reply