Google Earth Expeditions: Uncovering Forgotten Race Tracks as Our Latest Obsession

Discovering Global Ghost Tracks: A Search for Oval, Road, and Drag Remnants

In the past, the only means of discovering the world was through physical exploration. However, it is not possible for us to dedicate our entire lives to traveling in search of interesting sights. Additionally, some places cannot be easily observed from the ground level. Take, for instance, the existence of a quarter-mile drag strip concealed by foliage in the outskirts of Chicago. This knowledge has been made accessible to us, thanks to Google Earth. And now, you too have been enlightened about its whereabouts.

Let me warn you beforehand: what comes next may lead you down one of the most extensive rabbit holes of your lifetime, especially if you have even the slightest fascination with cars and racing. Our friends from the Google Earth, Structure, and Anomalies Facebook Group have pointed us towards a thrilling virtual expedition of discovering old race circuits. And let me tell you, once you start searching for these locations, it’s as addictive as deep-fried cocaine.

Oval racecourses are quite prevalent and are occasionally misidentified as abandoned automobile locations. However, there exist certain sites that unquestionably hosted the roar of engines and the aroma of racing fuel in the past. It would be a seemingly futile task to seek out all of these tracks for years on end. Hence, let us embark on a brief virtual journey using Google Earth. And once you become captivated (which is inevitable), share your discoveries with us through pictures and coordinates in the comments section.

At this time, we present several of them to pique your interest.

The track at Brooklands, located in Weybridge, England, can be found at coordinates 51°19’16″N 0°25’47″W.

Considered by many to be the most renowned abandoned racing circuit globally, the final competition at Brooklands was held in 1939 (disregarding James May’s playful antics with a Scalextric slot car in 2009). However, fragments of the dramatically sloped oval track can still be spotted on the grounds at present. As a matter of fact, aerial views reveal that much of the original track design is still visible, despite extensive renovations and expansion at the location since its peak years.

Mid-America Raceway, located in Wentzville, Missouri, is a popular track for racing enthusiasts. The track is situated at coordinates 38°50’48″N 90°54’57″W, making it easily accessible for racers from all over the United States.

This raceway caught our attention, as it was recently posted by David Williams in the Facebook group “Google Earth, Structures, and Anomalies”. It used to be a 2.8-mile circuit with an accompanying drag strip but was shut down in 2004 and has since been transformed into a large housing development. While the southern section of the track has disappeared, remnants of its original pavement can still be seen in the top portion of the photo, weaving its way through the surrounding terrain.

The location of the EG&G Proving Grounds in D’Hanis, Texas USA can be pinpointed at 29°24’42″N 99°21’48″W. This track is a popular destination for testing and evaluating various vehicles, equipment, and technologies. It offers a vast expanse of land for conducting experiments and trials, making it an ideal location for research and development. The coordinates of this track serve as a guide for those looking to visit or utilize the facilities at the EG&G Proving Grounds.

The ruins of a colossal oval course lie scorched by the sun roughly seven kilometers northwest of D’Hanis, Texas. This site was also posted in the Google Earth community on Facebook, although it was not identified as a track for racing. Upon further investigation, a video on YouTube revealed that the area was once a five-mile proving ground operated by the now defunct corporation known as Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Inc. The purpose of the tests conducted there remains a mystery, and the current condition of the facility is uncertain.

The track known as Surfers Paradise International Raceway is located in Carrara, Queensland Australia. Its precise coordinates are 28°00’46″S 153°22’25″E.

The coastal town’s ring road acts as a boundary for the former 2.0-mile road track. Only a short section of cracked pavement, situated to the upper right of the Master Mindset text, preserves the essence of the initial course. This circuit was renowned for its grueling endurance races and was a frequented destination for the Australian Touring Car Championship until its decommissionment in 1987.

The location of the Paramount Ranch Raceway can be found in Agoura Hills, California, USA. The exact coordinates for this raceway are 34°07’05″N and 118°45’10″W.

Deciphering this one could prove challenging, but with some assistance from David Williams, we have skillfully highlighted the original 2.0-mile track in red. Certain sections remain intact, including the large bend on the lower right and the straight path. Although other areas can still be seen as dirt trails, the official life of the track was short-lived, only lasting from 1956 to 1957 due to safety concerns. However, it was revived as a filming location during the 1950s and 1960s. Presently, it is designated as a historic site under the National Park Service.

The Dakota Intermountain Dragway is situated in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, USA at coordinates 44°42’33″N 103°53’41″W.

Located near the border of Wyoming, this short drag strip and petite oval course was previously known as Black Hills Dragway. According to Dragstriplist.com, it first started operating in 1972 and boasted a seating capacity for 500 individuals. The once bustling stands and structures have since vanished, leaving behind a dilapidated track that is now overgrown by trees and foliage.

The track known as Century 21 Raceways, located in Aurora, Colorado, is situated at the coordinates 39°44’55″N 104°43’46″W according to the United States Automobile Club (USAC).

This oval/drag strip combination, located near Denver, can be found in the shadow of the city. Situated in Aurora, a northern suburb, this modest track had a brief existence from 1971 to 1973, as stated by na-motorsports.com. The facility included a 3/8-mile oval with an interesting figure-eight element and a quarter-mile drag strip that linked to it, which can be seen in the bottom portion of the picture. The satellite view clearly displays both tracks, however, switching to street view reveals recent developments in the surrounding area that may have erased any traces of the abandoned remains.

The track known as Oswego Drag Raceway is situated in Oswego, Illinois at coordinates 41°41’10″N 88°23’15″W. This location offers a prime spot for drag racing enthusiasts to gather and enjoy the thrill of high-speed competition.

Approximately 40 miles west of the bustling city center of Chicago lies a thick cluster of trees concealing the ruins of a formerly booming drag strip. In 1954, Oswego Drag Raceway first opened its doors and continued to run for a quarter of a century until it eventually fell victim to the urban sprawl of the Windy City’s outskirts. While all remnants of the raceway have disappeared, the track itself still remains, now overgrown with vegetation and encircled by residential neighborhoods.

Sources: Facebook, Google Earth