Ep 1. Earnhardt Proving Grounds

Lost Speedways is a brand new historical and nostalgic series that takes its audience on a trip down memory lane, exploring the long-forgotten race tracks, speedways, and dirt ovals that once dotted the American landscape. The series, which is host by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., delves into the untold stories that make each track unique by talking to the drivers, owners, and fans who were part of the tracks' history.

The first episode of Lost Speedways takes the audience to North Carolina and focuses on the Earnhardt Proving Grounds, which is now a private testing facility tucked away in the woods, just outside of Mooresville. Named after one of the most iconic drivers in NASCAR history, Dale Earnhardt, the Proving Grounds were where the legend honed his skills and tested his cars.

As Dale Jr. takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, he explores the history of the facility, how Earnhardt acquired it, and how it served as the testing ground for countless cars. Through interviews with Dale Sr.'s former crew chief and childhood friend, along with other drivers and team owners who had the privilege of testing their cars at the facility, viewers are transported back to a different era of racing, before safety regulations and high-tech equipment took over.

The episode is filled with never before seen footage and photographs that showcase the track's unique history. From the bleacher seats pulled from an old stadium to the worn out tires and wrecks that now lay abandoned in the woods, one can sense the electric atmosphere that once permeated through the facility. Dale Jr. and his guests explain that the track played a crucial role in the development of not just Earnhardt's cars but also other top teams in NASCAR.

As Dale Jr. walks through the track, he points out the danger zones for the drivers and talks about how Earnhardt and the other drivers pushed their cars to the limit, testing their speed and handling skills as they navigated the twisting curves and hairpin turns. Through Dale's talking, viewers gain a newfound appreciation for the skill and bravery of the drivers of that era, who risked everything to push their machines to the limit.

The episode also delves into the track's importance to the local community, which often hosted local races with cash prizes that drew large crowds of fans and drivers. It's a testament to how much racing meant to people, not just as a sport or spectacle but as a way of life. As Dale Jr. walks the track's grounds, he pays his respects to the ghosts of racing past, a poignant moment that reminds viewers of the track's historical significance.

Lost Speedways provides a unique and emotional look into NASCAR's history, offering a glimpse at what has been lost over the years. For devoted fans of the sport or those who simply love history, the series is an excellent way to rediscover the forgotten places that made racing great. Dale Jr. guides the audience through the episode with an expert hand, imbuing the narrative with reverence and affection for the sport that runs deep in his blood. Overall, the show captures the essence of what racing used to be and reminds us all of the tremendous sacrifices that drivers and their families made to provide us with the entertainment that we all enjoy today.