August 12, 2025
Easley, SC — The Carolinas are a storied homeland for historic racing facilities. However, one race track in particular is fighting for a chance to merely exist amidst heavy turmoil from local entities.
The aforementioned facility is that of Greenville-Pickens Speedway, located in Easley, South Carolina.
The facility isn’t just another short track, it’s a motorsports landmark. Opened in 1946, the half-mile oval became a staple of NASCAR competition for decades, hosting the sport’s top stars such Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Dale Earnhardt among others.
In 1971, the track made history as the first track to broadcast a NASCAR race from start to finish on national television, forever changing how fans consume the sport.
In recent years however, the future of Greenville-Pickens Speedway has become uncertain. Encroaching development of an industrial park surrounding the property is casting a shadow onto the hopes of race fans both local and from afar.
The track also remains up for sale, with the property being listed for $5.8 million. While the option to lease the track has essentially been shut down entirely, supporters of the track are hoping to instead buy the track outright. While several offers have been made, none have been successful.
This Sunday, August 17th, the track promises to come alive with dedicated supporters in an attempt to save the historic half-mile oval. “Save The Speedway” aims to spotlight the track’s legacy and rally support for its preservation by holding a march along U.S. Highway 123, which runs by the track.
One of the indivuduals organizing the event, Tasha Porter Kummer, has deep ties to the racing facility. Kummer is the first woman to ever win a late model race at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. She also serves as social media director for the track’s still-active social media pages.
“With all of this recent revival buzz, maybe with the Save The Speedway event, we can get the attention of some important people,” said Kummer.
Kummer and the speedway’s strongest supporters also hope to gain the attention of one of NASCAR’s most recognizable names, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. will be participating in the zMAX CARS Tour race at nearby Anderson Speedway on Saturday, August 16th, the day before the march.
“Well on Saturday we are planning on attending the CARS Tour Event at Anderson Speedway with hopes of catching the attention of NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” said Kummer. “We will have signs, flyers, and T-shirts with the hopes this gets his, and hopefully the big bosses’, attention.”
“As for the day of event, we plan to have car, Jeep, and motorcycle groups peacefully march down Highway 123 in front of the track holding signs and wearing shirts that support the facility.”
Supporters believe that with enough visibility, Greenville-Pickens Speedway could follow in the footsteps of other revived racing venues and once again roar to life.
For many, the track is more than just a slab of asphalt with walls and grandstands. It’s home and a living piece of motorsports history that deserves to emerge back into the spotlight.
For updates and more information on how you can get involved, follow the organizers on social media:
- Instagram: @GREENVILLEPICKENSSPEEDWAY
- Facebook: @THEREALHISTORICGREENVILLEPICKENSSPEEDWAY
- X (Twitter): @GPSSPEEDWAY1
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Photos: Greenville-Pickens Speedway
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