MICHIGAN STATE FAIRGROUNDS - DETROIT MI
The Michigan State Fairgrounds Speedway was a dirt oval racing track located in Detroit, Michigan. The track was built in 1899 for horse racing, and it was part of the ground purchased to provide a permanent venue for the Michigan State Fair. By 1908, the racetrack, at the east end of the fairground, had a 5,000-seat capacity grandstand. The track originally hosted Thoroughbred flat racing as well as Standardbred harness racing. Later, it was used for auto racing, after the growth of that industry. It was a one mile dirt oval track. 1951 saw NASCAR made the first of two visits to the fairgrounds. Since it was close to Detroit; the race was given the name the "Motor City 250". A whopping 59 cars started the race. Part time competitor Tommy Thompson would start fifth and be a factor from the beginning. Fonty Flock had a good car and led 85 laps. He was leading when he crashed out of the event. Curtis Turner was also fast and led 95 laps. He dropped out after 233 laps due to
overheating. But, Thompson was up there battling with the top stars all day. He led on five occasions, before he took the lead for the final time, with 18 laps to go, and take the win. It would be his only career win; as he made only 22 Cup starts. Joe Eubanks finished second with Johnny Mantz third. The only ever Cup race held here would come the following year. The first 110 laps saw good close racing with four different leaders. But on lap 112, Tim Flock took the lead and would beat Buddy Shuman by half a lap to take the win. The AAA/USCA Champ Car series raced here from 1928-1933; and then
again from 1949-1953, and 1957. Future Indy 500 winners Ray Keech, Wilbur Shaw, Louis Meyer, Mauri Rose, Bill Cummings, Tony Bettenhausen, Bill Vukovich, Jimmy Bryan and Roger Ward all had wins at the track. In fact, only four drivers who won at this track did not win the Indy 500.
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