Developers have unveiled plans to demolish the Greenville Pickens Speedway in South Carolina, igniting fierce opposition from NASCAR fans and local supporters. This historic track, known as the first to have a full race broadcast on national television in 1971, is now under threat as redevelopment ambitions seek to replace the site with industrial and commercial buildings.
The move has sparked outrage because the Greenville Pickens Speedway holds significant cultural and historic value to the NASCAR community and the broader Upstate region. Supporters argue that destroying the track would erase a landmark tied closely to NASCAR’s early days and its evolution as a major sport.
Allegations of Broken Promises Surrounding the Redevelopment
Matthew Dillner, a senior producer at FloRacing, publicized what he describes as a “legacy of lies” linked to the developer’s intentions for the Speedway. Dillner had planned to travel from Concord, North Carolina, to Greenville to join protests against the demolition but stated the conditions made the trip uncertain.
A developer is planning on tearing the track down. Or should I say ‘the liar’ is planning to tear it down? The last time we made the trip down to Greenville, to the initial rezoning hearing, he was resolute that he had ‘no intentions to touch the track footprint’. Two years later, and his truth is revealed (as we predicted),
said Dillner in a social media post.
Dillner lamented that fans will no longer gather for the experience of watching races live, instead being left with warehouses. His remarks criticize both the developer’s priorities and the government’s role in permitting the destruction of an historic site.
While the developer is allowed to erase this historic landmark and build a financial legacy for his own family, let us not forget the government that enabled this so our children could witness the destruction of history.
A true legacy of lies, Dillner stated.
Details of the Redevelopment Proposal and Local Response
The developer, SC Speedway Hwy 124 LLC, has submitted plans to convert the 24-acre speedway site into a 376,380 square-foot industrial building, alongside an undeveloped outparcel. Adjacent to the speedway, a 13-acre retail and service complex is proposed, including a gas station and restaurant. Moreover, the surrounding 111 acres of wooded land would accommodate eight structures totaling approximately 918,480 square feet.
This industrial expansion follows a pattern in the area, where multiple nearby distribution centers, collectively offering around four million square feet of space, have already replaced key local sites such as the former parking lot used for the Upper South Carolina State Fair.
Supporters of the Greenville Pickens Speedway have petitioned Pickens County authorities to designate the track as a historic landmark, which could prevent its demolition even if it remains inactive. However, county officials lack precedent for this kind of designation and have not fully engaged with other counties experienced in historic preservation efforts.
It’s very crucial that everyone show up to this meeting and votes NO to the destruction of The REAL Historic Greenville Pickens Speedway and the construction of an apartment complex or another building like it,
urged an official Facebook post by The Real Historic Greenville Pickens Speedway group.
Community Leaders and Racing Figures Speak Out
The speedway was previously owned by car dealer Kevin Whitaker, who has not responded to inquiries about the track’s sale or its future. Current filings list Ryan Whitaker as the owner. Among those actively seeking a resolution is Tasha Porter Kummer, the first woman to win a Late Model race at Greenville Pickens. Kummer has reached out to the NASCAR community in hopes of finding a buyer, detailing that several offers around $3 million have been proposed for the property.
Kummer and other advocates stress the importance of preserving the speedway to maintain the region’s unique connection to NASCAR and its racing heritage. The track has not operated for two seasons, but proponents note that other inactive tracks have successfully reopened after long hiatuses.
Rich NASCAR History Embedded in the Speedway’s Past
Greenville Pickens Speedway first opened in 1940 as a half-mile dirt track and was purchased by the Blackwell family in 1955, coinciding with the year NASCAR began sanctioning races there. Mark Blackwell, son of the original owner, attempted to lease the track alongside driver Jackie Manley, but negotiations failed.
The facility hosted NASCAR Cup Series races intermittently between 1955 and 1971, attracting legendary drivers including Richard Petty, David Pearson, Junior Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. These icons have their names immortalized on the track’s surrounding walls, symbolizing its storied legacy.
Race nights were family affairs, regularly drawing crowds estimated between 22,000 and 35,000 spectators. Fans often arrived hours early to secure popular parking spots, reflecting the speedway’s beloved status in the community.
The Lasting Impact of the Proposed Demolition
If the Greenville Pickens Speedway is demolished, it will represent not only a loss of a historic racing venue but also a blow to the cultural identity of NASCAR fans in the region. The proposed industrial facilities would alter the landscape permanently, replacing a symbol of motorsport heritage with commercial development.
Advocates fear that the government’s approval of the project prioritizes financial development over preserving history, setting a concerning precedent for other historic sites. The controversy continues, with community members, drivers, and NASCAR figures rallying to save a track that holds significant emotional and historical value.
Upcoming county meetings will be pivotal, as opponents urge the public to participate actively and vote against the destruction of the Greenville Pickens Speedway, emphasizing the importance of protecting such landmarks for future generations.
LEGACY OF LIES
We plan(ned) on making the trip from Concord, NC to Greenville, SC tonight. Last chance to fight for Greenville Pickens Speedway.. The conditions have that trip doubtful. PLEASE READ!A developer is planning on tearing the track down. Or should I say “the liar”… pic.twitter.com/RioxQKiQ84
— Matthew Dillner (@MatthewDillner) February 2, 2026
