Remember Amarillo's Forgotten Racing Landmark, The Speed Bowl?

Amarillo and racing go way back. It would be hard to believe that racing didn't have a rich history in the Texas panhandle.

For instance, do you remember Amarillo's Speed Bowl?

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Amarillo's Blast From Its Racing Past

Someone asked me recently if I knew about the Speed Bowl. I had never heard of it, but it definitely sounded like something I should familiarize myself with.

With a name like Speed Bowl, how could it be less than awesome?

Google got me headed in the right direction. From there it was digging through websites and forums to see the magic I missed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKjkp7HrXow

The Infamous Backstretch Dirt Wall

More than once I read accounts of the backstretch dirt wall. Some fans of the Speed Bowl recounted times when the wall would grab hold of a driver, and wouldn't let go.

Many recalled their favorite racers and cars they saw at the Speed Bowl. Others reminisced on the times they drove the track themselves.

It seems every story was happy adrenaline rush.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttM23R4djqM

Sadly, The Bowl Sits Silent

For those who remember the glory days of the Amarillo Speed Bowl, its current silence is almost a thing of sadness. The excitement once found there is now a thing of the past. The thrills only memories.

That doesn't mean racing is gone from Amarillo. Far from it. We still have our races, and fans still gather every race day for the thrill.

Luckily there are several videos, and tons of photos, of the Amarillo Speed Bowl available to see and watch thanks to the Internet.

What are your memories of the Amarillo Speed Bowl?

Look at How Amarillo's Old Route 66 Motels Looked Then & Now

The heyday of the Mother Road may be long gone, but would you believe that there's still plenty of the old motels where many a weary American family rested their heads during their interstate travels?

You won't believe some of these are still standing, much less still alive and (wait for it..) kickin'!

The Drive-In: Amarillo's Classic Drive-In Theaters, Past and Present

Any resident of Amarillo worth their salt knows about the Tascosa Drive-In movie theater.

But did you know about the other drive-in theaters?

LOOK: Vintage Postcards of Palo Duro Canyon

These vintage postcards of Palo Duro Canyon are a true look into the past.

You may recognize quite a few of the iconic landmarks found in the canyon, but there's still others that you just might have not seen yet! Key word...."yet."

Take a trip into the past with these spectacular vintage postcards, you'll be inspired to take a hike!

Source: Remember Amarillo’s Forgotten Racing Landmark, The Speed Bowl?