Topics Related to sports

Fairgrounds Speedway (H-120)

After 1928 popularized Indy-style car racing. Site hosted the last NASCAR race on dirt track, 1970. Half-mile oval was 250 yds. SW.

Algonquin Tennis Club (G-138)

Est. in 1922 by African Americans. Hosted many American Tennis Assoc. tournaments. Durham Committee on Negro Affairs org. here, 1935.

Sir Archie (E-83)

Foundation sire of American Thoroughbred race horses, including Timoleon, Boston, Lexington, & Man O'War. Died at Mowfield, one mile north, in 1833.

Jim Thorpe 1887-1953 (E-59)

Indian athlete, star of the 1912 Olympics, made his professional baseball debut with Rocky Mount Railroaders, 1909. Ballpark was 1/4 mi. W.

Pioneer East Coast Surfing (D-116)

Early surfing activity organized on beaches near here in 1909 by B.H. Bridgers & others.

Celtic Sam Jones of Wilmington and the NBA

On June 24, 1933, legendary Boston Celtics player Sam Jones was born in Wilmington. During his 12 seasons with the Celtics, Jones and his team won 10 championships.

Springs Altered Race History

On June 19, 1949, NASCAR held the first race in its top division at a ¾-mile dirt track at the Charlotte Speedway.

Revelry Ensues After Stanley Cup Victory, 2006

North Wilkesboro and the Roots of NASCAR

On May 18, 1947, the North Wilkesboro Speedway opened its doors to a crowd of more than 10,000 spectators who watched Fonty Flock win the first official race held there.

Olympic Medalist Leonard No Match for Camacho

On May 17, 1956, Olympic gold medalist and professional boxer Charles Ray “Sugar Ray” Leonard was born in Wilmington.