Top 10 Short Tracks in NASCAR History
Best Short Tracks in NASCAR History
North Wilkesboro Speedway
10. Myrtle Beach Speedway (0.538 miles)
Closed in 2020, but historically important. Produced champions and offered some of the best short-track racing on the East Coast.
9. Bowman Gray Stadium (0.25 miles)
The oldest NASCAR-sanctioned weekly track. Wild, bumper-to-bumper racing inside a football stadium.
8. South Boston Speedway (0.4 miles)
Former Busch Series track; a powerhouse for developing grassroots NASCAR talent.
7. Hickory Motor Speedway (0.363 miles)
Known as the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.” A classic proving ground for drivers in the 60s–80s.
6. Rockingham Speedway (1.017 miles, often treated like a short track)
Though slightly over 1 mile, “The Rock” raced like a short track—abrasive surface, tire wear, tough passing.
5. Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (0.596 miles)
Legendary short track where many NASCAR legends (Waltrip, Earnhardt) cut their teeth. Fans still want it back on the Cup schedule.
4. North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625 miles)
A historic North Carolina gem revived in 2023. Deep NASCAR roots and beloved by traditional fans.
3. Richmond Raceway (0.75 miles) – “America’s Premier Short Track”
Fast yet technical. A perfect blend of short-track style and intermediate-track feel.
2. Martinsville Speedway (0.526 miles) – “The Paperclip”
The oldest track on the NASCAR schedule. Known for tight racing, bump-and-run moves, and the iconic grandfather clock trophy.
1. Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533 miles) – “The Last Great Colosseum”
Perhaps the most famous short track. Steep banking, high speed, night races, and legendary rivalries.
