Explore the Moonshine and Motorsports Trail: A Local Look at Raleigh's Racing and Bootlegging History

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has initiated a project called the Moonshine and Motorsports Trail. This project, led by Karl Galloway, aims to showcase the connection between bootleg liquor and car racing history in the state. It features eight locations, including an exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. The exhibit, available until April 25, 2024, includes a No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet car driven by Dale Earnhardt Sr., a North Carolina native.

Car racing in North Carolina has a history dating back to the prohibition era in 1909. The prohibition led to the illegal production and transportation of alcohol, known as moonshine. This resulted in moonshine transporters racing against law enforcement, and later each other. This gave rise to a series of car races that eventually formed the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).

Before prohibition, North Carolina was home to over 500 family-owned distilleries, the highest number in the country. During prohibition, these operations were conducted secretly, with distilleries hidden in remote areas. Drivers who transported and distributed moonshine became known for their speed, leading to informal races. These races continued even after prohibition ended in the 1930s, leading to the establishment of NASCAR in 1948.

The Moonshine and Motorsports Trail features sites like the Occoneechee Speedway in Orange County, Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Rockingham Speedway. Other locations include Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap, Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame & Museum in Charlotte.

The North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh offers a general overview of the history. However, each of the eight locations provides a unique insight into the history of moonshine and motorsports in North Carolina, from the dirt tracks of the Great Dismal Swamp to the western mountains.

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