Pop Culture
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The one-half mile dirt track at the Vigo County Fairgrounds in Terre Haute became one of the nation’s most acclaimed race tracks after its creation in 1952, earning the nickname “The Action Track” for its nonstop racing thrills and hosting some of the world’s best drivers, including A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Parnell Jones, Jim Hurtubise, Al Unser Sr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart. Donald E. Smith, a Terre Haute native, businessman, and the track’s first Director of Competition, was most responsible for its renown through creating the Hut Hundred and Hulman Classic races and attracting the television show “Wide World of Sports,” while also being remembered in the racing community for his kindness, generosity, and invaluable contributions as a team owner and as the “Racer’s Friend.”
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Indiana · United States
