Lost Speedways Season 1 Episode 7 Danger Zone

In Lost Speedways season 1 episode 7, titled Danger Zone, host Dale Earnhardt Jr. takes viewers to the state of California to explore the history of a now-defunct race track, the Ascot Park Speedway. The episode begins with Dale introducing the Ascot Park Speedway as one of the most famous and dangerous dirt tracks in the west coast. Dale further explains that the track was notorious for its high banks and steep turns, which created an environment that tested the skills of even the most experienced drivers.

Dale then meets up with famous race commentator Larry Huffman, who describes the thrill and excitement of the Ascot Park Speedway races back in the day. The episode features interviews with several people who used to work on the track and race on it, including drivers like Ron Shuman and Lealand McSpadden. Together, they talk about the camaraderie, the adrenaline rush, and the danger associated with racing on this track.

Throughout the episode, Dale pieces together the history of the Ascot Park Speedway, which began as a horse racing track before being converted into a race track in the early 1900s. The track hosted many big races, including USAC Sprints and Midgets, AMA Motorcycles, and even NASCAR Cup Races. Dale and the guests on the show describe the unique challenges of each kind of racing, including the unpredictability of the dirt surface and the high speeds that only the best drivers could handle.

The episode also highlights the political controversies that the track faced, including pressure from local residents who were concerned about noise pollution and from city authorities who were attempting to redevelop the area. Ultimately, this led to the demise of the Ascot Park Speedway in 1990 after nearly a century of being a fixture in the racing community.

As Dale and the crew explore the remnants of the track, they speak with experts who explain the intricacies of how a race track functions and the impact that big races can have on a community. The episode also touches on the technological advancements in racing and how the surviving racers adapted to new trends and improved safety measures.

In typical Lost Speedways fashion, the episode does not shy away from the hazards and tragic losses that come with racing. Viewers are provided an insight into the risks associated with driving at high speeds and the risky cornering maneuvers that racers made on banked tracks like Ascot Park.

Overall, Lost Speedways Season 1 Episode 7 - Danger Zone is an immersive and thrilling trip down memory lane. The episode provides a comprehensive look at one of the most iconic race tracks in American history while showcasing the incredible speed and skill of the racers who competed on the track. The episode concludes with a final tribute to the racers who risked their lives on the track, leaving viewers with a new appreciation for the bravery and determination of the early pioneers of racing.