Dublin’s 441 Speedway celebrating 50th anniversary Saturday

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – 441 Speedway will close its 2017 racing season this Saturday by celebrating its 50th anniversary.

George Lindsey opened the 3/8th mile dirt oval in Laurens County in 1967.

“It was a good thing going,” he says. “Everybody enjoyed racing. We got in at the right time.”

The speedway hasn’t been open continuously since then, but racing’s back right now.

“We have people come in and bring the entire family,” says track announcer Willis Wombles. “They enjoy themselves out here versus watching TV or watching the Bulldogs or whatever on TV.”

Speaking of the No. 1 Bulldogs, they’ll play South Carolina Saturday at 3:30. The game should be nearing its completion by the time racing starts.

“The ones that want to come, they will be able to visit with their old-time friends, see some of the old-time drivers,” says current track owner Tony Shurling. “That way they will have something as a keepsake down the line down memory lane.”

Gates open at 4. Practice starts at 6:30 and racing starts at 7. All the normal classes (Sportsman, Super Street, Pure Stock and Bomber) will compete. There will also be an “old-timer” race featuring drivers from the 1960s and 70s in vintage cars.

The track’s next event will be St. Patrick’s Day Weekend 2018.

For more information, visit the track’s website and Facebook page.