Savannah Speedway

Savannah Speedway in coastal Georgia was a half-mile dirt oval that hosted ten Cup Series races between 1962 and 1970, establishing itself as one of the most consistent short-track venues on the schedule during the 1960s. Minimal banking on the flat dirt surface demanded pure car control from drivers who had to wrestle their machines through corners where grip changed from lap to lap. Ten Cup races over nine years was an impressive run that reflected both the quality of the racing and the loyalty of the Savannah fan base. The coastal Georgia climate added a variable that inland tracks rarely dealt with — humidity that affected both engine performance and track surface conditions, creating a unique challenge that teams had to account for in their preparation. Savannah was a port city with a rich cultural history, and the speedway drew a crowd that was as diverse as the city itself. The track's consistent presence on the Cup schedule through the 1960s made it a reliable and valued stop on the touring circuit.

Written by Richard R. Glover, NASCAR Reference