Johan, please go to
www.augustainternationalraceway.com when you get a free moment. The 3 mile road course, which is still 90 % intact was purchased by the county after laying dormant for 30 years. It was part of a four track complex: 1/2 mile oval, drag strip, micro kart track and the road course. The drag strip is still with us but is on private property. The oval and kart track are gone.
Diamond Lakes Regional Park is being developed in the infield of the former road circuit. I have a diagram up at the site that shows what will take place there over the next few years. Two state of the art six million dollar ball fields are currently in place along with walking tracks and fishing and areas to picnic.
A new 12 million dollar library/community center is being constructed next to the former pit lane beginning next month and our memorial will be placed in the courtyard of the new library when it is completed in 18 months. This September the monument will have a temporary home in the ball field complex.
The road course was only used for one racing season - 1964. Three total events were held: NASCAR race November 17, 1963 and two USRRC events on March 1, 1964. All three winners would loose their lives in the next few years: Dave MacDonald just 10 weeks after the March race at Indy. Ken Miles a few years later at Riverside and "Fireball" Roberts six months after his NASCAR victory.
Six of the top seven finishers in the NASCAR race would not survive to race the next season: "Fireball" Roberts, Dave MacDonald, Joe Weatherly, Jimmy Pardue, Billy Wade and Larry Thomas. The seventh driver was Ned Jarrett.
Closure of the course is not really understood. More than likely money as this is NASCAR country and they still struggle with the road race concept. Our feelings are that without "Fireball" Roberts, who helped develop the circuit and was on the Board of Directors, NASCAR was not interested in another road race.
The track will be developed into a walking and biking trail over the next few years.
We would love to have as many Cobras as possible at the dedication. There will no organized activity other than the dedication but there is plenty of room for cars and picnics.
Thanks for everyones interest and come join us on September 11, 2004 for this very special occasion.
Henry Jones
Augusta International Raceway Preservation Society