Lost Speedways Season 1 Episode 6 Fit for a King

In the sixth episode of Lost Speedways' first season, viewers are taken on a journey to the famed North Carolina dirt track known as Kingsport Speedway. The episode titled "Fit for a King" details the history of the 3/8th-mile oval track, which was first built in 1956 by founder and racing enthusiast Jack Smythe.

Viewers are transported back in time to the late 1950s and early 1960s, a period that marked the golden era of stock car racing when tracks and drivers alike flourished. This episode showcases the contribution of the track to the stock car racing community and its importance to the local community.

The episode opens with host Dale Earnhardt Jr. as he delves into the history of Kingsport Speedway and its founder Jack Smythe. He explains that before offering its services to the racing community, the track was primarily used by the community for farming and agriculture.

We see interviews with some of the track's legends and rising stars, including Herman Beam, Ray Cox, and L.D. Ottinger, who all share their experiences on the track and what it meant to them. Many of the drivers speak of the danger of the track and the fear they faced as they raced on the dirt surface.

The episode covers notable moments in the track's history, including the first-ever race at Kingsport Speedway in 1965, which was won by legendary driver Junior Johnson. Subsequent years saw the likes of Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, and Bobby Allison all compete for the checkered flag on the dirt oval.

"Fit for a King" also explores the business side of the track, including the challenges that the track faced, such as inclement weather and the cost of maintaining a dirt track. Despite these challenges, the track remained a gathering spot for the community, often attracting large crowds with its exciting races and family-friendly atmosphere.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an in-depth look at the track's facilities, the racing gear, and the technological advancements that improved the racing experience. The episode culminates with a visit to the current Kingsport Speedway, where Dale Jr. and guests take to the track for some laps in old-school race cars.

"Fit for a King" is an episode that will delight fans of stock car racing and enthusiasts of automotive history alike. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the heyday of stock car racing and the legacy of dirt track racing in the United States. Viewers will be left with a newfound appreciation for the passion, skill, and determination of the drivers who put it all on the line on the dirt tracks of the past.