The speedway opened in the early 50's. The track was a 1/3 mile dirt oval located off Hwy 15 at 5th Street, and Racetrack Road in Hartsville, SC. The opening scene for the 1960 movie "Thunder In Carolina was filmed at Hartsville Speedway. In 1960,and 1961 Hartsville Speedway raced under the Nascar banner with weekly Limited Sportsman races. The only Cup event was ran here in June of 1961. Emanuel Zervakis would earn the pole for the 150 lap race; but crash out after 101 laps finishing 16th. When the dust settled Buck Baker would find himself in victory circle. Only Jack Smith was able to keep pace and stay on the lead lap. Rex White would finish third followed by David Pearson and
