Texas World Speedway

Overview

Texas World Speedway was a prestigious superspeedway located near College Station, Texas. This legendary 2-mile oval track was renowned for its high-speed racing and challenging layout that tested the skills of even the most accomplished drivers. With steep 22-degree banking in the turns, the circuit allowed for speeds exceeding 200 mph, making it one of America's fastest tracks during its operational years from 1969 to 2017. The facility sprawled across approximately 600 acres, providing ample space for multiple track configurations and supporting facilities. Texas World Speedway hosted numerous prestigious racing events including NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA competitions before its eventual closure.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The primary configuration of Texas World Speedway was its 2-mile oval with 22-degree banking in the turns and 8-degree banking on the straightaways. This design enabled incredible speeds while demanding precise driving technique. The track's surface was asphalt, though it underwent several repaving efforts throughout its history. Beyond the main oval, the facility featured a 2.9-mile road course that incorporated portions of the oval with additional infield sections, creating a versatile venue capable of hosting diverse racing disciplines. The track included a 3,000-foot main straightaway that served as the primary start/finish line. Its generous width of 50 feet allowed for multiple racing grooves, creating exciting side-by-side competition and overtaking opportunities throughout the circuit.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Texas World Speedway boasted substantial infrastructure to support major racing events. The main grandstand could accommodate approximately 23,000 spectators, with additional viewing areas bringing total capacity to around 38,000. The infield featured a comprehensive pit lane with 36 stalls equipped with modern timing and scoring systems. Support facilities included multiple garages, tech inspection areas, and administrative buildings. The expansive paddock area could handle the transporters and equipment for large racing fields, while the infield camping areas were popular among dedicated fans during race weekends. In its later years, the speedway also operated as a high-performance driving school and vehicle testing facility, with specialized areas for driver training and automotive development.

History

Opened in 1969, Texas World Speedway was part of a wave of superspeedway construction across America during the late 1960s. The inaugural race was the Texas 500, won by Bobby Isaac. Throughout the 1970s, the track hosted significant NASCAR and USAC events, including races featuring legends like A.J. Foyt, Richard Petty, and Mario Andretti. The speedway faced financial challenges in the 1980s, resulting in sporadic operation before experiencing a revival in the 1990s with the return of major racing series. As newer facilities emerged across Texas, including Texas Motor Speedway near Fort Worth, competition for premier events intensified. After serving as a testing and club racing venue in its final years, Texas World Speedway officially closed in 2017 to make way for real estate development. Despite its closure, the track remains an important part of American motorsport heritage, remembered for its blisteringly fast speeds and contribution to racing history in the Southwest.