Moonshine whiskey. It was illegal, but it was available in abundance. The federal government had imposed a whiskey and tobacco tax to fund the Union army in the War Between the States, and forgot to lift it when the war was done. It’s been joked that the tax had to stay in place to pay for everything Sherman burnt down. The tax reached $1.10 for every gallon sold by 1894, and as a result small whiskey makers found it impossible to make a profit without selling under the table. Independent producers found a ready market for the untaxed liquor and moonshining became serious business. If there’s one sure fire way to get the governments attention, it’s to cut them out of money; especially the kind of money the growing network of small time producers was generating. The Revenue Bureau of the Treasury Department was formed, and under Commissioner Green B. Raum it became a police force whose main function was to hunt down and shut down moonshiners. With between five and ten million gallons being sold annually, putting a dent in the activity was no small job.

The whiskey remained popular in spite of efforts to shut it down. When automobiles became a practical means of hauling it things really heated up. The cars didn’t usually look fast, as the idea was to blend if possible, but the unseen modifications could turn it from a Sunday cruiser to greased lightening in no time flat. Rear springs were strengthened to stay level and inconspicuous when hauling a load and front suspensions were stiffened, often with additional shock absorbers, for increased control when running from the law. What was done under the hood makes it fuzzy how these cars could ever have inspired anything called “stock” cars. Engines were frequently bored as large as possible and fitted with superchargers and whatever else might pull out a few more horsepower. When manufacturers didn’t offer large enough engines, they would pull them out of ambulances and modify the car to make it fit. Inside switches were installed so that headlights and taillights could be turned on and off separately. Behind the wheel was the most important part of the machine. Young men made a trade out of learning to drive well enough to evade the law, and they did it well.

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Where there’s a trade, there’s the question of “Who’s the best?” This question spawned countless proving grounds in the form or circular tracks in pastures, cornfields, or anywhere a lack of obstacles made it possible. The drivers raced for gas money and bragging rights, but they would have done it for the bragging rights alone. As the races began to draw crowds, permanent dirt tracks became typical and a regular form of entertainment, but this was still just enjoyment for the drivers. Their job was doing their best driving when it really mattered; when losing a race meant gaining a prison sentence.

Moonshining as a business continued for years. What the revenuers were unable to do was eventually done by low liquor prices. As with many industries, small manufacturers were unable to compete for customers when prices went down, but the industry left behind an institution that has been part of the culture ever sense. While the liquor stills rusted and grew over with brush, the race tracks remained and new ones were built. Auto Racing was now and would always be part of the culture.

Interest in modern dirt track racing rages from hobby to obsession as the sport offers many levels of involvement for drivers, and much excitement for spectators. Racing enthusiasts with only a little money to invest can set up a vehicle for just a few thousand dollars or less depending on the individual’s skill level and ability to make safety modifications independently. Serious racers can find themselves substantially more obligated financially, but often well compensated.

Dirt track racing flourishes in the Southeast. Following is a list of regional tracks.

441 Speedway (Asphalt)

3377 US Highway 441 S, Dublin, Ga.

(478) 984-4455

Center Raceway

3199 Lyons Center Rd. Vidalia Ga. 30474

(770) 926-5315

Cochran Motor Speedway

Cochran, Ga. 31014

(478) 934-4470

www.cochrangaspeedway.com

Dixie Speedway

150 Dixie Dr. Woodstock, GA 30189

www.dixiespeedway.com

Oglethorpe Speedway Park

200 Jesup Road Pooler, Ga. 31322

(912) 964-8200

www.ospracing.net

Screven Motor Speedway

6118 Savannah Hwy. Sylvania, Ga. 30467

(912) 857-4884

www.screvenmotorspeedway.com

Swainsboro Raceway

586 Modoc Road Swainsboro, GA 30401

wwww.swainsbororaceway.com

Thanks to Carlson Racing Photos for the images used in this article. Carlson Race Photos offers high quality racing photography from Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, GA and Oglethorpe Speedway Park in Pooler, GA as well as from several major dirt late model series' from the South such as the Carolina Clash series and the O'Reilly Southern All Stars series. David Carlson has been a race photographer for three years and is the official photographer of Oglethorpe Speedway Park, Screven Motor Speedway, and the Carolina Clash racing series. Online at www.carlsonracephotos.com.

Also see Dixie Dirt TV. Dixie Dirt TV offers on-demand video broadcasts from the premier dirt racing events in the South. Dixie Dirt TV works closely with the Carolina Clash racing series and the O'Reilly Southern All Stars to bring viewers some of these premier events. Membership to Dixie Dirt TV is free and will allow members to watch videos via their web browser. Dixie Dirt is a great way for race fans that can not make the races to enjoy the show by watching any of the Dixie Dirt broadcasts on the web. Dixie Dirt will be broadcasting over 30 events in 2007 and will be experimenting with offering live video broadcasts later in the season. Dixie Dirt TV is supported by advertisers rather than charging members for access to the website. Members to Dixie Dirt TV will have access to the on-demand videos, member forums, news and updates from dirt racing in the South, event photography, and more. Since March 2007, Dixie Dirt TV has experienced significant growth and is now approaching 1,100 members from around the world. Online at www.dixiedirttv.com.

Special thanks to James and the Crew at Screven Motor Speedway and Savannah River Dragway.