NASCAR is one sport that has certainly become engrained in the American history books. Known for its speed and pure adrenaline, it continues to drive ticket sales and audiences from all around the world in the thousands. Thanks to one mystery photojournalist, Seph Lawless, we are seeing some historically outstanding photos from the very first and very forgotten beginnings to what NASCAR once was.
North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina was the major hub for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series from 1949 to 1996 before it closed its doors to the public. Reopening for a brief stint in 2010 but almost immediately closing in the spring of 2011, it's since been left to ruin and is a distant reminder of racing's long lost past.
Lawless is not the photographer's real name, he has chosen to work under a synonymous name and it began with his "Autopsy of America" project. Searching the United States for the world's forgotten spaces, he found beauty in the complex rubble of American culture.
Photos below highlight dilapidated raceway signs, concession stands, and club seats with hand-painted signs. Whether a race fan or not, check out the photos below for a quick glimpse into 50 years gone by in racing history.
With a powerhouse like NASCAR and with such humble beginnings, it's hard to imagine how something of such great importance could be forgotten so easily. Check out more at Lawless' website along with all social platforms such as Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram.
Images used with permission.
[via Daily Mail]
These are really great. As someone who's interest in cars is almost as strong as my love for photography, these really pull on my nostalgia strings.
Having lived in Indy my whole life I have never been a huge fan of racing. I went to my first live race last year as a photographer for a local tourism board and got to meet many of the drivers and shoot on the track before the Brickyard 400. It was unreal! The history is much stronger than I ever thought and its cool to see it up close and personal. Even though the track here in Indy needs a bit of a facelift it has similar attributes to these photos even though its the pinnacle of racing for many.
It's weird seeings these while also seeing the changes they are making to their track in Daytona.