Hickory Motor Speedway

Description

Configuration

Hickory Motor Speedway (HMS) in its current form is measured at 0.363 mi, with 14° of banking in the first two turns, 12° of banking in the last two turns, and 8° of banking on the track's straightaways.

Amenities

Hickory Motor Speedway is located in Newton, North Carolina, served by Interstate 40, and has a physical address alongside U.S. Route 70. The facility has a seating capacity of 9,600 and a standing capacity of 3,600 according to The Charlotte Observer however, according to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, the seating capacity is a high figure based if spectators were "packed in pretty tight".

Track history

Early dirt years

On December 21, 1951, The News & Observer reported the formation of a new racetrack corporation by the name of Hickory Speedway, Inc., with Charlie Combs, Marshall McKee, and Clara Burgess announced as principal stockholders for the corporation. A week later, Combs announced as manager of the speedway detailed plans for the speedway in the Hickory Daily Record, stating plans to build a 0.5 mi dirt track near U.S. Route 70. Combs additionally announced that groundbreaking on the facility had started a day prior on December 27. Planning for the track was simple; according to Combs' wife, Goldie, when planning the track's layout, "Charlie just looked out and marked it on the ground."

In the following months, plans for night racing and seating capacity of approximately 4,000 were announced. Hickory Speedway held its first race on May 18, 1952, with Gwyn Staley winning a NASCAR-sanctioned race amidst a crowd of 4,500. Lights for night racing were installed two months later, with Staley winning the first night race at the track. The first NASCAR Grand National Series (now the NASCAR Cup Series) was held the following year, with Tim Flock winning the event on May 16. In 1956, Hickory Speedway's length was shortened to 0.4 mi after a remeasuring of the track.

In 1959, Combs sold his controlling interest of the speedway to Grafton Burgess, with Burgress being appointed as Combs' replacement as general manager. A year later, the track was reconfigured to make the turns steeper. In 1962 and 1965, two separate renovations were made, including upgrades to fan amenities, an air-conditioned media center, concrete walls for the outside retaining wall and pit wall, and guardrails for the inside retaining wall. Burgress sold the speedway in 1967 to Charlotte real estate developers Bill Edwards and Ed Griffin for nearly $144,000 (adjusted for inflation, $), with Burgress resigning as general manager shortly after. Burgress was replaced by racing driver Ned Jarrett a month after Burgress' resignation.

Transition to pavement

On July 18, 1967, Edwards and Griffin announced plans to pave the track alongside other renovations, including the construction of a pit guardrail and a concrete wall in the track's third turn. The track paving was completed in early August, with the first paved races occurring on August 12. In 1970, the track was again remeasured and shortened, this time to 0.363 mi. A year later, the track ran its final NASCAR Cup Series race, with NASCAR removing any race under 250 mi starting in 1972. In 1976, Jarrett resigned from his position as general manager in September, with motorsports broadcaster Hal Hamrick taking over the position in November. On August 14, 1977, the track experienced its first fatality after driver Bobby Isaac suffered a heart attack during a race due to heat exhaustion. Additional lights for better visibility in the pit area were installed the following year in April.

Ownership changes, renovations

In 1979, the track was bought out by a group of four businessmen: Hamrick, Newbern Fleming, Sam Herman, and Andre Teague. Three years later, Fleming bought out his partners' stake in the facility, becoming the sole owner of Hickory Speedway. Fleming kept ownership of the track for three years; in January 1986, the track's lease was bought out by a group of four businessmen, with the group stating hopes of eventually buying out the track. However, in December, the Daily Record reported that car dealership owner Benny Yount had instead purchased the track for approximately $1,000,000 (adjusted for inflation, $). With his purchase, Yount announced a $100,000 renovation project focusing on improved fan amenities, a press and VIP booth, and replacing sections of retaining guardrails with concrete barriers. A majority of the project was completed by April 1987 for the track's season opener. Yount originally planned to hire a stand-alone promoter immediately after his purchase; however, he took over the role after a lease agreement fell through.

Benny Yount era, renaming

In November 1988, the track was officially renamed to "Hickory Motor Speedway"; on the same day, Bob Friedman was appointed as general manager of the track. In early 1991, another set of renovations were made to the facility, including the construction of a permanent road course layout, a new public address system, and the first complete repave of the track. The repaved surface ran its first race on March 30; the surface shortly after experienced problems. The surface in the third and fourth turns showed "severe wear", leading to a repave of the turns. The track was again completely repaved in 1992 after the surface came apart during a Busch Series race. Also in 1992, the track demolished approximately 120 to 130 seats to build sections for physically disabled people at a cost of "about $2,000 to $3,000". Two years later, additional retaining concrete barriers were erected around the track's inside perimeter. In 1995, parts of the infield of the first and second turns were paved alongside the addition of a new exit road for the track.

In November 1996, Friedman announced his resignation as general manager of HMS. Five months later, The Charlotte Observer reported that Yount was in negotiations to sell a majority stake of HMS in hopes of expanding the track's amenities and attractions, increase the seating capacity, and move the start-finish line to the opposite side of the track. On December 20, 1997, the operating lease to the track was sold to South Carolina real estate developer John Huffman, with Huffman's lease including an option to buy. Soon after Huffman's lease purchase, the track's lighting and sound systems were revamped in early 1998. Later in the year, the second-tier NASCAR Busch Series left the facility after a 17-year tenure due to the track not being able to keep up with rising purse payouts. Two years later in January, the track ended its affiliation and sanction with NASCAR for the American Racing Association, ending a 49-year partnership.

After three years of his lease, Huffman stated that he was seeking to sell the lease to solely focus on his real estate business. On August 20, 2001, Yount bought back the track's lease from Huffman. Four days later, the lease was bought out by HMS employees Sherry Clifton and Debbie Whitworth. Shortly after the duo's lease purchase, the track regained its NASCAR sanction in January 2002. Midway through the 2002 racing season, Whitworth resigned from her position as promoter, leaving Clifton as the sole promoter. In 2005, the leaseholder changed to the Clifton-owned Hammer Down LLC. According to Clifton, she opted to make her own company after a partner in the previous leaseholder left the company. Three years later, Clifton resigned as promoter of HMS and was replaced by the track's tire distributor, Kevin Piercy. In 2023, the track was awarded $568,264 in COVID-19 relief funds from the North Carolina state government, which was used to renovate bathrooms and the paving of the infield pit area.

Events and uses

Auto racing

NASCAR

As of 2025, HMS runs a NASCAR Weekly Series season featuring various divisions. The ARCA Menards Series East added a 150-lap race at Hickory to the schedule in 2026.

Formerly, the facility held the top two divisions of NASCAR's touring series. From 1953 to 1971, HMS ran top-tier NASCAR Cup Series races. The track additionally held the second-tier NASCAR Busch Series races from 1982 to 1998.

Other events

HMS has hosted numerous regional racing series throughout its existence in addition to the NASCAR Weekly Series, including the CARS Tour, the SMART Modified Tour, and the Pro All Stars Series (PASS).

Filming production

HMS was used as a filming site for 1973 film The Last American Hero, a sports drama film about former NASCAR driver and team owner Junior Johnson. Parts of the film were filmed during a NASCAR Late Model Sportsman Series race on September 16, 1972, and a special filming session the following month featuring some of the drivers from the September race.

References

References

1. Gilliland, Kim. (April 4, 2004). "Show Us Some Speed". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
2. Haislop, Tadd. (March 1, 2022). "Track profile: Hickory Motor Speedway".
3. Franklin, Jon. (April 16, 2004). "Hickory track offers alternative for Burke race fans". [[The News Herald (North Carolina).
4. Banks, Miya. (November 27, 2024). "Christmas fireworks, Hmong basketball tournament set for weekend". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
5. Spencer, Reid. (March 23, 2001). "That's 50 years of racin'". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
6. (April 9, 1996). "Hickory provides exciting racing".
7. (December 21, 1951). "New Corporations". [[The News & Observer]].
8. (December 28, 1951). "New Hickory Speedway To Be Ready By Early Spring". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
9. Mehrtens, Cliff. (July 12, 1991). "Happy 40th birthday, Hickory Motor Speedway". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
10. (January 26, 1952). "Work Continues On Hickory Speedway". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
11. (March 6, 1952). "Night Races Will Be Included On Speedway Agenda". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
12. (May 10, 1952). "Grand Opening Of Hickory Speedway Planned May 18". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
13. (May 19, 1952). "Staley Cops Opener Here". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
14. Smith, Lawrence. (July 26, 1952). "Night Racing Makes Debut At New Hickory Speedway". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
15. (July 28, 1952). "Wilkes Drivers Take Big Share Of Speedway Honors". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
16. (May 16, 1953). "Drivers Come In For Race Tonight". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
17. (May 18, 1953). "Tim Flock Wins Grand National". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
18. Schoolfield, Hank. (April 24, 1957). "NASCAR Changes Carburetor Rule, Permits Promotion of Gate City Race". [[Winston-Salem Journal]].
19. (March 17, 1959). "Taylorsville Man Manager Of Speedway". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
20. (May 19, 1960). "Rebuilt Raceway To Boost Speeds". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
21. Cunningham, George. (August 3, 1962). "The Rebel F. I. A.". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
22. Cunningham, George. (January 10, 1965). "It's Grim Business". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
23. (May 7, 1967). "Charlotte Men Buy Hickory Track". [[Winston-Salem Journal]].
24. (May 8, 1967). "Speedway Price Near $144,000". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
25. (June 2, 1967). "Burgress Quits As Speedway Manager Here". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
26. (July 8, 1967). "Ned Jarrett Takes Position As Hickory Speedway Head". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
27. (July 18, 1967). "Hickory Track Announces Plans To Add Pavement". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
28. Josey, Jerry. (July 18, 1967). "Hickory Track To Be Paved". [[Statesville Record & Landmark]].
29. (August 2, 1967). "Track Paving Only Part Of Improvements". [[Martinsville Bulletin]].
30. (August 7, 1967). "Paved Track Race Debut Rained Out". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
31. (August 14, 1967). "Pistone Wins Piedmont 300 Contest Here". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
32. Moore, Bob. (June 7, 1970). "Idle Weekend Distressing To Lorenzen". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
33. Hembree, Mike. "Why NASCAR Trimmed 17 Races, Legendary Venues from 1972 Cup Schedule".
34. (September 24, 1976). "Jarrett Resigns Speedway Post". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
35. (November 9, 1976). "Hamrick New Speedway Manager". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
36. Myers, Bob. (August 15, 1977). "'It's Such A Shock'". [[The Charlotte News]].
37. (March 24, 1978). "Night Opener To Be April 1". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
38. Weekes, Bill. (November 21, 1979). "Hamrick Leases Local Facility". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
39. Morgan, Miles. (September 5, 1982). "Brown Resigns Position At Hickory Speedway". [[The Asheville Times]].
40. Richards, Dan. (January 17, 1986). "Hickory Speedway Track Leased". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
41. Chandler, Liz. (March 2, 1986). "Big Weekend Gets Hickory Speedway Off And Running". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
42. Hall, Charlie. (December 9, 1986). "Yount Buys Hickory Speedway". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
43. Trevor, Greg. (December 12, 1986). "Auto Deal Puts Love For Cars On New Track With Speedway Buy". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
44. Higgins, Tom. (January 18, 1987). "Pearson's Title Team Adds Sparkle". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
45. Trevor, Greg. (April 17, 1987). "Speedway On Track To Boost Image". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
46. Cornwright, Brett. (July 28, 1994). "Yount, HMS Have Grown". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
47. (November 16, 1988). "Speedway Renamed". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
48. Melton, Jeff. (March 14, 1991). "Speedway Makes Plenty Of Changes". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
49. Mehrtens, Cliff. (March 27, 1991). "Speedway grooms drivers for greatness". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
50. Kawa, Barry. (April 3, 1991). "Hickory Speedway roars to life". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
51. (May 20, 1992). "Hickory Repaves Its Track". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
52. Benfield, Dennis. (May 22, 1992). "Too-hot races mean new topcoat for track". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
53. Tallent-Sugg, Patricia. (March 30, 1992). "Raceway Accommodates Disabled With Best Seats". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
54. (March 7, 1994). "HMS Adds Safety Wall For Fans". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
55. (December 27, 1995). "Speedway Receives New Surface". [[Statesville Record & Landmark]].
56. (November 27, 1996). "Friedman Resigns At HMS". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
57. Shain, Andrew. (March 23, 1997). "Yount sees speedway's future on the fast track". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
58. Fisher, W. D.. (December 21, 1997). "Yount Sells Hickory Motor Speedway". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
59. Fisher, W. D.. (March 28, 1999). "HMS has bred some of NASCAR's legendary drivers". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
60. Dickerson, Drew. (March 17, 1998). "HMS Opens Saturday". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
61. Fisher, W. D.. (April 17, 1998). "HMS Owner Would Like Half-Mile Track". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
62. Utter, Jim. (October 20, 1998). "NASCAR pulls plug on Hickory". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
63. Hobbs, Chris. (January 7, 2000). "HMS will team with new circuit". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
64. Spencer, Reid. (July 8, 2001). "Hickory speedway owner is on the lookout for buyer". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
65. Griffin, Justin. (August 21, 2001). "Hickory speedway changes owners". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
66. Griffin, Justin. (August 24, 2001). "Speedway employees buy racing rights to track". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
67. Alexander, Ames. (January 9, 2002). "Revered track to make safety a part of NASCAR's return". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
68. Gillipsie, Tom. (September 6, 2013). "Hickory Speedway was special to Clifton". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
69. Morris, Alison. (February 11, 2005). "Passion for HMS drivers Clifton to now manage it". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
70. Southers, Tim. (October 29, 2008). "Clifton leaves HMS, Piercy named promoter". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
71. Griffin, Kevin. (March 10, 2023). "Track grant: $568K". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
72. Griffin, Kevin. (January 2, 2024). "$500K Grant Paves Way For Improvements". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
73. Koon, Jason. (July 20, 2024). "4 reasons to spend a night at Hickory Motor Speedway". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
74. Sprinkle, Scotte. (December 13, 2024). "Hickory Motor Speedway reveals 2025 schedule".
75. (December 6, 2025). "Hickory Motor Speedway to welcome ARCA Menards Series East for first time on March 28, 2026". [[ARCA Menard Series]].
76. Sprinkle, Scotte. (July 12, 2025). "Keelan Harvick dominates at Hickory to earn his first CARS Tour win".
77. Weaver, Matt. (April 14, 2024). "Carson Loftin claims fourth SMART Tour win in six races".
78. Brown, Jeff. (March 14, 2025). "A deeper look at the 2025 PASS SLM schedule".
79. Lane, Howard. (June 14, 1973). "Hickory Scenes Fit Well In 'Last American Hero'". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
80. (September 13, 1972). "Film Car To Run In Sunoco 260". [[Hickory Daily Record]].
81. (September 17, 1972). "Ard Beats Gant, Wins Sunoco 260". [[The Charlotte Observer]].
82. (October 13, 1972). "Movie Filming To Continue At Speedway". [[Hickory Daily Record]].