Five Flags Speedway

Bud Williamson sr spent $90,000 to build Five Flags Speedway in 1953, originally as a half-mile dirt oval. Severe dust from the surface caused a 14-car crash at its first meeting on 31 May 1953, so it was paved by the time the NASCAR Grand National series visited a fortnight later. Herb Thomas’s Hudson Hornet was leading when rain forced the race to be red flagged. Traditionally run on the first Sunday of December, the Snowball Derby for late model stock cars has been an annual highlight since its inception in 1968.