Jungle Park Speedway
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- Jungle Park Speedway was once known as one of the most famous racetracks in the United States. Founded in 1926 by Earl Padgett, the track was a 1/2 mile circular shaped sprint car track situated on the banks of Sugar Creek near Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, Indiana. The racing surface was asphalt on the straightaways and loose gravel in the corners, which caused many accidents throughout the years.
The track operated on and off for many years. It opened in 1926 and temporarily closed in 1941 due to World War II. The track reopened in 1945 and operated until 1955 when a tragic accident occurred, which took the life of a spectator. The track reopened again in 1960, but only for that year. It has been closed as a track since. Clements Canoes now uses the grounds as a launching site.
The track was one of the very first- ever tracks with a lighting system. Almost every race happened on weekends during the night hours. There were also covered wooden grandstands that stretched across the main straightaway, one still survives. The track had hardly any walls to keep cars on the track if they wrecked. Many drivers lost their lives by wrecking into the woods next to the back straightaway or by plunging into Sugar Creek. This is what ultimately caused the track to shut down for good.
Like stated earlier, the track site is now a canoe launching site into Sugar Creek, and the track is in deplorable condition. One grandstand survives, covered in trees. Most of the asphalt has broken up and been taken over by grass. The track is still able to be made out, but it is hard to believe it ever hosted races.
Every year in late September, the "Rumble in the Jungle" is held for people to show off their classic cars, talk about memories made at the track and to take pictures. Most of the pictures in the slideshow were taken at the 2014 "Rumble in the Jungle." This is a part of racing and Indiana history that needs to live on.
My first attended race was around 1939 with my father Vinson and brother Leon
awesome!
My grandfather was a photographer there in the late 30s before going on to become a Hall of Fame announcer. I have many many rare photos from that track.
Hey Wayne could you give me contact?
gone....... but NEVER FORGOTTEN!💯
The last race I watched here was on the dirt ....Crosley pickup trucks....ha!
what year was this roughly?
About 1950. They raced on a small track inside the main track in front of the grandstand
The paved track and the grandstand are still visible from US41 ( July 2017)