Look back at car racing in Houston

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