Lost Speedways Season 2 Episode 5 Texas World Speedway: Lonely Star

Lost Speedways is a documentary series that explores once-thriving racetracks that have now been abandoned and forgotten. Season two episode five takes us to the Texas World Speedway, which was once dubbed as the "World's Fastest Speedway."

The episode titled "Lonely Star" begins with host Dale Earnhardt Jr. recounting his experience visiting the abandoned track. He talks about the eerie feeling he had while walking through the empty grandstands and deserted garage area. The Texas World Speedway, located in College Station, Texas, was once a hub of activity, hosting numerous races including NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA events. However, due to financial problems, it closed its doors in 2017 after nearly 50 years of operation.

The episode tells the story of the track's rise and fall. Built in the early 1960s, the track was designed to be the fastest oval track in the world, with high-banked turns ideal for high-speed racing. The Texas World Speedway was a marvel of engineering and technology, with a unique design that allowed cars to achieve incredible speeds. The track quickly became a popular destination for racing enthusiasts, attracting some of the biggest names in motorsports.

However, the glory days didn't last long. The track's financial problems began in the 1990s when it was sold to a new owner who struggled to keep it afloat. As interest in racing declined, the track struggled to attract crowds, and maintenance costs skyrocketed. In the mid-2000s, the Texas World Speedway was forced to close temporarily due to safety concerns. Despite efforts to revive the track, including a proposal to convert it into a casino, the Texas World Speedway ultimately shut its doors for good in 2017.

As the episode unfolds, we learn about the personal stories of the people whose lives were intertwined with the track. We meet drivers like AJ Foyt, who won multiple races at the Texas World Speedway and describes it as one of his favorite tracks. We also hear from local residents who have fond memories of attending races at the track. The episode also features interviews with former employees who share their experiences working at the track and their thoughts on its demise.

In addition to personal stories, the episode also explores the technological innovations that made the Texas World Speedway so special. We learn about the unique design of the track, which allowed cars to reach incredible speeds, and the technology that was used to keep drivers safe at such high velocities. The episode also features archival footage of some of the most memorable races held at the track, giving viewers a glimpse of its heyday.

Throughout the episode, Dale Earnhardt Jr. explores the abandoned track, pointing out the key features that made it so special. He visits the grandstand, the garage area, and the pit road, describing how they would have looked during the track's prime. He also talks about the challenges of preserving a track like the Texas World Speedway, which requires significant investment in order to stay operational.

Overall, the "Lonely Star" episode of Lost Speedways offers a poignant look at a once-great racetrack that has been left to rust and decay. It's a story about the rise and fall of a cultural icon and the personal stories of the people whose lives were touched by it. For fans of motorsports history, it's a must-watch episode that offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.