1954

Orange Speedway

In 1954 the speedway would undergo a name change to Orange Speedway. It would be a brotherly act on April 18th at Orange Speedway. Two brotherly acts raced at the 1-mile dirt oval on this day. First was Bud & Marshall Harless and the second was Herb & Donald Thomas and they would be the ones stealing the show. After Buck Baker scored the pole and led the first 12 laps, then Donald pushed his way to lead for 52 laps. Then was overtaken by brother Herb. Herb lead the last 34 laps to take the victory over Donald but it wasnt easy only winning by a car length.

1953——1955

Curtis Turner

Curtis Turner was born on April 12, 1924 in Floyd, VA. Curtis’ racing career started in 1946. He won his first Grand National race at Langhorne, PA in 1949. His last victory was in Rockingham, NC in 1965. Curtis finished with 360 wins in various racing divisions with 17 of them in the Grand National division. He finished with two Grand National wins and two Convertible Division wins at Occoneechee/Orange Speedway. His final Grand National start was at Occoneechee/Orange Speedway on September 15, 1968. Curtis lost his life in a plane crash on October 4, 1970.

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