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Look back at car racing in Houston

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Friday, May 27, 2016
Crowded grandstand filled with people watching the start of a race at Bellaire (Tex.). Idle racecars at lower portion of photograph.
Five racecars lined up at the start of a race. Observers standing close the path of the cars. White streak across the photograph caused by film deterioration
Five racecars lined up at the start of a race. Observers standing close the path of the cars. White streak across the photograph caused by film deterioration
Men and racecars on the track at Bellaire, Texas with spectators at left
Race car at South Houston Racetrack. "Gardner 101" painted on side of car.
Race car parked on street
Race cars and men on the track
Unidentified man sitting in a midget auto racer at L. L. Walker business sometime in the 1940's.
Race car on the beach in Galveston
Three men looking at a racecar at Bellaire (Tex.) sometime during the 1920's. In background are open touring cars. White streak across middle of the picture caused by deteriorating
Unidentified man standing beside a race car
Spectators watching a motorcycle race at old fairgrounds of Harrisburg and Milby, Houston, Texas.
Racing at Galveston beach with silhouette of a man wearing a hat in foreground
W. C. Boddeker, Jr. and Jane White in a two-seated automobile at Rice Airfield, Houston, Texas, in 1915. Gearshift controls are outside the body of the automobile.
Racing cars and race fans on the track at Galveston, TX. Portion of photograph faded due to film deterioration. Gulf of Mexico visible in distance. During the 1920's.
Four men standing beside a racecar. Beyond racecar is a scoreboard with spaces to show the racing time for first second and third racecars.
Motorcyclist riding near the top of the track at the old fairgrounds at Harrisburg and Milby, Houston (Tex.)
Racing scene with spectators at South Houston track in the 1920s
Six racing cars in position before a race in the 1920's at the South Houston Race track.
Men standing near an automotive racecar. In background are three open touring cars.
Race cars ready for a race at South Houston track. Bright streak across photograph is result of deteriorating film.
Man inspecting a portion of a racecar, at the track in Galveston, TX, during the 1920's. Portion of photograph faded due to film deterioration.
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Look back at car racing in HoustonCrowded grandstand filled with people watching the start of a race at Bellaire (Tex.). Idle racecars at lower portion of photograph.
Houston Public Library

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Car racing was a popular sport in Houston and Galveston in the 20's and 30's, with thousands of spectators gathering at venues that are now long gone.

Most of the racing in Houston took place at the Bellaire Race Track, the South Houston Race Track and the Old Fairgrounds on Harrisburg.

The Bellaire Race Track was located just south of Bellaire and east of Stella Link, where Pershing M.S. and a YMCA are located today. The Old Fairgrounds was located at Harrisburg and Milby. Racing in Galveston took place on the beach.

VIDEO: Before and after aerials of Bellaire Race Track and current neighborhood

Neighborhood now sits where old Bellaire Race Track was located

We haven't been able to determine where the South Houston race track was. If you know, please let us know.

The photos above are from the Lesley Lewis Walker Collection at the Houston Public Library's Metropolitan Research center.

Special thanks to the Houston Metropolitan Research Center of the Houston Public Library

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