Located in the heart of America, the town of Elko is the largest Nevada city, and one of the best places to be if you’re a car fan. This is especially true because the speedway, which is the name of the racetrack within the city, is a 4.9-mile road course that holds the record for the longest continuously used sports car racing track in the US. In addition to boasting this prestigious record, the speedway is also famous for its eclectic mix of famous cars and car collectors that can often be seen there. This is certainly an experience that you have to see to believe!
The History Of The Speedway
The history of the Elko Speedway is as colorful as the cars and motorcycles that are raced there. The speedway first opened its gates in 1951, and has been steadily growing ever since. In 1955, the track was expanded to its current size, and in 1966 it was officially named after Elko, Nevada’s own Edward Dean “Ned” Hill, who was an early pioneer in automobile racing and an active participant in the sport. Before his untimely death in 1970, Ned Hill contributed greatly to the growth and popularity of the Elko Speedway by acting as the track’s president.
The Many Facets Of The Track
The Elko Speedway is a unique blend of both vintage and modern racing that provides fans with an experience like no other. This historic 4.9-mile oval has hosted some of the greatest names in car racing over the years, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna and Rick Masten. The track has also been the scene of some of the biggest accidents in US history, including one in 1957 that saw the deaths of 17 people and countless injuries. Thankfully, these days the speedway is a place of inspiration and excitement, and not tragedy!
The Layout Of The Track
If there’s one thing that makes the Elko Speedway unique, it’s the fact that it has such a diverse array of turns, straightaways and climbs. This allows for some truly creative racing and makes the track always interesting to observe. While modern-day cars may not be able to tackle these long sweeping curves with ease, they can still take pride in driving one of the greatest tracks in North America!
How To Get Here
If you’re visiting Elko and are interested in checking out the track, the best way to get there is via helicopter. The airport, which is located just south of the city, has regular flights from Las Vegas, and even some limited scheduled service from Sacramento and San Francisco. If you’re driving, the best route is via I-80 East, which leads to the track. Once you’re there, you can take the paved parking lot entrance on the right, next to the coffee shop. This will save you a lot of stress and hassle compared to trying to find a parking spot near the track’s entrance.
Where To Eat And Stay In Elko
While you’re in the area, it’s a must that you stop by the Hangar 18 Bar-B-Que. Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant has been around for more than 20 years and still serves the best BBQ in town. With live music every weekend, it’s hard to resist the allure of this place. If you’re after a more traditional taste, try the Silver Spoon Cafe. This eatery serves steak, salmon and other meats, but the best way to experience this place is via their famous chocolate cake. For those looking for more luxury, the Hilton Elko Speedway Hotel & Convention Center is the perfect choice. This hotel offers excellent service and comfort, while also being located only a few steps from the track. If you want to explore the area further, you could rent a bicycle at the airport and travel to any of the local attractions, including Shoshone Falls, the Nevada State Museum, and the Pioneer Museum. There’s also the Lake Isabella State Park, which is only a 30-minute drive away.