Originally named Sun Valley Speedway, this track was built by Joe Helpling in 1947 and first raced on July 2, 1948. Some of racing's best have competed here, including A.J. Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Johnny Rutherford, Tony Stewart, and multiple Little 500 winner Eric Gordon. Known as the “World's Fastest High-Banked Asphalt Quarter Mile,” it hosted the first Little 500 on May 27, 1949. That race became Anderson Speedway's most prestigious event and one of America's biggest races. Drivers have challenged the banking in roadsters, sprint cars, stock cars, midgets, and even school buses. Sanctioning bodies including AAA and the Mutual Racing Association have raced here. The American Speed Association was born here during the sixties and initiated the Redbud Late Model Race, which continues today. Another major event, The National Crown, began here in 1950 and remains the longest continuously run stock car race in the country.