The iconic Greenville Pickens Speedway, a testament to racing history, awaits a hopeful future.
The Pickens County Planning Commission has denied RealtyLink’s proposal to develop the Greenville Pickens Speedway into warehouses. This decision, celebrated by the community, aims to preserve the historic racetrack, which has been nonoperational for two seasons. The speedway, significant for NASCAR events since 1940, now faces challenges regarding its future and maintenance. Community members hope for restoration and investment to bring back the venue’s racing legacy.
In a recent decision that has brought both relief and celebration to the local community, the Pickens County Planning Commission denied a proposal from RealtyLink to develop the beloved Greenville Pickens Speedway into warehouses and retail spaces. This decision, made on January 13, 2025, specifically rejected Phase 3 of a proposed multi-phase development project, which would have seen significant changes to the historic racetrack.
The Greenville Pickens Speedway, known for its rich history since it opened in 1940, is currently the second oldest short track in the country. This piece of local heritage has hosted numerous significant NASCAR events, and the names of legendary racers still adorn its walls, serving as a testament to its legacy. Unfortunately, the speedway has been nonoperational for two racing seasons and is showing signs of decline due to lack of use, raising worries among supporters about its future.
RealtyLink’s ambitious plan included constructing nine new buildings that would cover approximately 33 acres of the speedway property. This would have effectively paved over any chance of future NASCAR-sanctioned racing at the speedway, prompting many community members to rally for its preservation. The current state of the property, which is up for sale at $5.8 million, has seen no offers in over a year, further compounding concerns about its maintenance and future.
The decision to deny Phase 3 drew a positive reaction from local residents, advocates, and descendants of former owners, such as Mark Blackwell, who have been vocal about the need to restore the speedway. Community members have taken to social media and local gatherings to emphasize the historical significance of the speedway and to advocate for a vision where it could thrive once again. They expressed hope that with the right investment, the racetrack could attract tourists and become a source of community pride and engagement.
Planning commissioners recognized the passion from supporters, suggesting they be granted more time to locate a suitable buyer who can honor the speedway’s legacy. While RealtyLink has laid out plans to commemorate the racetrack’s history with flags and monuments if the development goes through, the sentiment in the community leans heavily toward preserving the speedway as a racing venue.
RealtyLink’s ongoing development consists of multiple phases; while Phase 1 is currently under construction with six warehouses, Phase 2, which has already received approval, aims to introduce four industrial buildings totaling about 2.9 million square feet. Such developments carry significant financial implications, with some developers suggesting they may reconsider reapplying for further approvals based on tenant interest.
However, Phil Wilson, a principal in RealtyLink, has acknowledged the financial burdens that come with owning and operating the speedway as a racing venue. Previous attempts to lease the property have been unsuccessful, primarily due to proposed changes and legal complexities, putting additional strain on the racetrack’s future.
Despite the challenges, supporters of the Greenville Pickens Speedway remain optimistic. Many believe that with adequate investment, the speedway could not only survive but thrive, bringing back tourism and rekindling the vibrant community spirit that once filled its grandstands. The racetrack, which famously reopened after World War II through an event promoted by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., holds a special place in the hearts of many.
As discussions continue about its future, the decision of the Pickens County Planning Commission serves as a small beacon of hope for those wanting to see the Greenville Pickens Speedway restored to its former glory, keeping its wheels spinning for generations to come.
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