Smoky Mountain Raceway

Smoky Mountain Raceway in Maryville, Tennessee was a half-mile asphalt oval nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains that hosted 12 Cup Series races between 1965 and 1971. The ten-degree banking in the turns and the mountain altitude created racing conditions that felt distinctly different from the flatland short tracks of the Piedmont. Twelve races in seven years made Smoky Mountain one of the most frequently visited non-superspeedway venues of its era, a testament to the quality of competition and the enthusiasm of the East Tennessee fan base. The mountain setting gave the track an atmosphere that was unique in NASCAR, with the Smokies providing a breathtaking natural amphitheater for the action below. Smoky Mountain rewarded drivers who could adapt to a surface that changed character as mountain weather shifted from sunshine to cloud cover, altering grip levels in ways that flat tracks in consistent climates never experienced. The track was part of a strong Tennessee racing tradition that includes Bristol and Nashville, anchoring the Volunteer State's identity as one of the great stock car racing territories.

Written by Richard R. Glover, NASCAR Reference