The track opened in May 1962 as a high-banked quarter-mile dirt track under the ownership of race driver L. J. Hampton, Ed Shannon and Earnest Walton. The original track was dirt because racer turned owner, L.J. Hampton felt that young drivers could learn and perfect their skills and was fun for the older drivers to be back on a dirt track where they had gotten their start in racing as well.
Marty Robbins was one of the many drivers that appeared at the track weekly. Robbins drove the #777 Devil Woman car.
In 1969, the Rim became the fastest high-banked quarter-mile asphalt track in the region! – And it STILL is!!!
NASCAR Legends such as Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Hamilton, Bobby and Donnie Allison, and Red Farmer have all taken on the high banks of the Rim. And don’t forget about hot shoes like Casey Atwood and Bobby Hamilton Jr. who both got their stock car racing start at the Rim!
Former track owners Ronnie and Pat Baucom owned the track from 1990-2003. During their years at the helm, Ronnie and Pat have renovated the track completely! The track surface was expanded and repaved, the pits have been enlarged, grandstands added, erected skyboxes, new concession facilities, expanded restrooms, and additional parking for both fans and drivers alike!
2011 looked like it would be the end of the Rim when the track fell into foreclosure. No able to sit back and let 50 years of racing history end, three racers and businessmen stepped up to Save Highland Rim Speedway! After months of negotiations, meetings and plans, the trio began renovations and started the 2012 season – Better late than never, but we can say that we still have our track!
If you haven’t been to the Rim in a while, take the time to visit one time to see why it is being called “Tennessee’s Family Action Track!” Then come back week after week for the edge-of-your-seat thrills that you can find only at Tennessee’s Family Action Track – Highland Rim Speedway!
The Rim – Often Imitated, Never Duplicated!!