Lost Speedways Season 1 Episode 8 Home Treasures

In Lost Speedways season 1 episode 8, titled "Home Treasures," host Dale Earnhardt Jr. explores the history of two Southern race tracks – Mobile International Speedway in Alabama and Five Flags Speedway in Florida. Both tracks were important fixtures in the early days of stock car racing and served as proving grounds for some of the sport's biggest legends.

At Mobile International Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. delves into the stories of drivers like Red Farmer and Bobby Allison, who cut their teeth racing on the high-banked oval. He also talks to track officials and long-time fans about the track's heyday in the 1960s and 70s, including a legendary race in 1973 that saw Allison win with a bandaged hand.

In Pensacola, Florida, Earnhardt Jr. visits Five Flags Speedway, which has been a part of the local racing scene since the 1950s. He meets with current track owner Tim Bryant and learns about the challenges of preserving a historic venue in the face of development pressure. He also talks to racing greats like Rusty Wallace and David Rogers, who share their memories of competing at Five Flags over the years.

One of the highlights of the episode is a visit to the home of the late Dave Mader III, a local racer who made a name for himself on the short tracks of the Gulf Coast. Mader's wife and daughter show Earnhardt Jr. around their home, which is filled with racing mementos and memorabilia, including old trophies and photographs. It's a touching reminder of the passion and dedication that drives so many people to pursue their dreams on the oval.

Throughout the episode, Earnhardt Jr. reflects on the important role that these tracks and the people who raced on them have played in the history of stock car racing. He also explores the challenges facing small tracks like Mobile and Five Flags, which have to compete with larger, more modern facilities for fans and sponsorship dollars.

In the end, "Home Treasures" is a love letter to a bygone era of racing, when small tracks were the lifeblood of the sport and drivers like Bobby Allison and Dave Mader III were legends in their communities. By shining a light on these forgotten gems, Earnhardt Jr. is helping to preserve a vital part of racing history for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.