If you’re a follower of NASCAR history, you know that Greenville-Pickens Speedway (GPS) is no stranger to the history and legacy of the sport. But its place in the future of American motorsport has been called into question in recent months.
Martinsville Speedway is the oldest active track on the NASCAR calendar, having held races since 1947. But GPS is a year older, having begun hosting races in 1946, when doubling as a horse track and speedway with a dirt surface until the track was paved in 1970.
For decades, the iconic venue soldiered on. But over the last few years, the track has been in a battle for its preservation as a Greenville-based company, RealtyLink LLC, builds onto the surrounding land with massive industrial developments.
Current owner and businessman Kevin Whitaker has let the track lay dormant since the last laps were run on its hallowed pavement in 2022. The Speedway property was contracted for purchase by RealtyLink in March 2023.
The opening months of 2026 have provided a battle between the local community and RealtyLink in front of the Pickens County Planning Commission, which has heard arguments from both sides on the track’s future. The next phase up for approval in RealtyLink’s development plan would initially have infringed on the structure of the track and ultimately led to its demolition. Its approval was denied this week, but remains a possibility for the future.
The Rich History of Greenville-Pickens Speedway
That would be a sad ending for a historic venue – particularly to NASCAR. The NASCAR Cup Series came to GPS at least once per year in 1955, 1956 and from 1958 through 1971. Along the way it welcomed fixtures of NASCAR’s golden era, including Richard Petty, David Pearson, Buck Baker, Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson.
Petty became the track’s last Cup winner in 1971, but an additional factor that year made the facility legendary in the sport’s history. It was that year when GPS became the first track to broadcast flag-to-flag coverage of a Cup race on TV. Prospective fans tuning into the track’s spring race saw defending champion Bobby Isaac claim his fourth-straight win at the facility.
In the modern era, GPS has held races for NASCAR Weekly Series divisions along with the CARS Tour and K&N Pro Series East (now ARCA Menards Series East).
Several current Cup drivers have won on the historic South Carolina track, including Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, Bubba Wallace, Corey Lajoie and William Byron. Others from the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series have tasted victory as well, such as Ben Rhodes, Austin Hill and Justin Haley.
GPS has a tradition of putting its track champions on the walls around the speedway. One name rises above them all. Though not in the Cup Series, Ralph Earnhardt was a legend in Upstate South Carolina. During his years racing at GPS, the father of seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt won countless races and claimed two consecutive track championships in 1965 and 1966.
The track’s history speaks for itself, but the facility’s been quiet since 2022. More than three years later, what is its future? Will race fans lose a piece of iconic NASCAR history?
In truth, the answer remains up in the air.
Hope for the Future
Chairwoman Kelsey Crooks spoke with Frontstretch after the third, fourth, and fifth phases of the development plan were rejected, but didn’t guarantee the track was safe without a buyer.
The denial was due to noncompliance with the traffic study policy, which requires a two-mile radius and a 20-year horizon study for projects exceeding 250 trips a day.
“We are asked to review land use from a safety perspective and how it affects existing projects and facilities,” she said.
Crooks also noted that the track is up for recognition as a historical landmark. “That has been noted by the historical preservation society of South Carolina,” she added.
This was the second delay in a row for RealtyLink’s project, slowing its progress and keeping the track afloat. The decision was previously tabled in February.
That added time may play a role in sparing GPS from demolition. Frontstretch spoke with each party after the hearing, which included a surprising twist – a potential buyer for the track in Jackie Manley. The former racer and RealtyLink are close on a deal worth nearly $4 million – a price Manley said would just be for the purchase of the track.
“More would be needed for [necessary] upgrades,” he noted.
Should he acquire the track, Manley has a clear vision for the future. He wants to return GPS to the beloved local track of the past. “Just bring it back like the old days,” Manley said of his goal for the speedway. “All the people are there, and the kids can enjoy it. That’s what it’s about.
“That’s how the sport grows. Get it back to what it was in the heyday.”
The plan includes a modern twist. Comparing this situation to North Wilkesboro Speedway, Manley noted an urge to get the facility cleaned up and scanned for iRacing. “That’d be one of the first things we try to [do],” Manley said. “Get it scanned so everyone can enjoy it.”
Manley would require county approval to reopen the track and host races on it.
Phil Wilson of RealtyLink was on the opposite side of the hearing, making it clear that the company’s plan remains the same. Saving the track is a positive potential development, but the company is also eager to proceed with its plans.
“The current plan was what we were hoping to accomplish here,” Wilson said. “Segregate the track out and sign a purchase contract with a potential buyer, but both parties ran out of time and gave it a really good effort.”
Wilson noted that RealtyLink was close to a deal with Manley. If that goes through, the controversy surrounding the company’s efforts would be removed. RealtyLink still plans to provide the necessary traffic studies and proceed if the sale falls through, leaving an ongoing risk of GPS’ closure. But Wilson himself said he’d be for a racing return at the track if all goes to plan.
“Sure, why not?” he said. “I grew up 2 miles from there and went to a lot of races there.”
While Greenville-Pickens Speedway has bought some time, its future remains up in the air for now. The next hearing is expected in May after an application is resubmitted.
But after this week’s developments, there’s hope in the midst of the uncertainty. All isn’t lost – at least not yet.
Better save GPS. Huntsville (Alabama) Speedway has become surrounded by subdivisions. And I’ve heard the influx of carpetbaggers gripe about the noise. Thankfully it has solid ownership.