Tracks Visited Once but Sadly Never Again

How far back should we go?

There used to be races at the Del Mar Fairgrounds - not the IMSA races of the 1980s-90s, but much earlier. I remember about 1965, seeing what must of been a vintage race (upright-seated single-seater, front engine cars) driving at speed around hay bails in the big parking lot. I was a little kid at the time but remember it clearly. Going back even further to the 1950's, they used to race on what was a former WWII base, now buried under what's now Torrey Pines Golf Course. Oh, and lets not forget Paramount Ranch.

I think three things have conspired to end most racing: Cost of participation, liability, and property values. It's a slippery slope, as more tracks close, interest drops, increasing the likelihood that more will close. It is what it is.

Bridgehampton in the late 60's, does that show how old I am ?

In reply to Bullfighter513 :

See also: I ran there with Skip Barber in the very early ’90s.

Nothing compares to Bridgehampton.

In reply to Tom1200 :

Ditto for Riverside, but the normal course.  Had a chance to trek out there from Dallas in 1986 for what was supposed to be "the last race" for SCCA club racing.  Managed to win my class, set a track record, and to top it off take my Dad on the victory lap with the checkered flag I got to keep! 

A friend and I ran the Disney race track when Porsche had their driving event that you can drive a few cars there. Luckily, when I went, I got to do the track stuff first because it rained right after that and they had to call it.

I think there was an exotic driving experience event there maybe not long after where someone died in a crash and Disney closed up the track

Memphis Internation Raceway- Closed 2 years ago. The road course wasn't terribly Miata friendly but at least it was a track nearby. Now I guess it's Birmingham or Nashville for me, if I decide to do a track day. Still some autoX events in Memphis.

Living in Colorado, I received my comp license at Second Creek in 1998.  The first track I drove competitively, so it holds fantastic memories.  High Planes is a great, extremely well managed track.  Please come and race HPR.  WRL runs Hallet both directions over the race weekend.  Clockwise and counter clockwise.  Good challenge with switching your mindset. VIR, Sonoma and Laguna Seca, all , not miss tracks. 

Nurburgring.  Even if you do not drive the track, TAKE a Taxi ride.  Absolutely breath taking. SPA. Probably the most beautiful track and surroundings in the world.  Be sure to hike or bike the trail around both tracks if you can.   AMAZING!! 

These are all great tracks, BUT, remember any track is great, you are doing something most people can only dream about. Drive safe, respect others and have fun.