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Wednesday, August 19, 2026
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The legacy of the Saugus Speedway lives on at Hart Park

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At William S. Hart Park in Newhall, pieces of the former Saugus Speedway and swap meet, including sections of the original tarmac, have now been relocated.

Up the hill from the train station, larger remnants now sit on display with plans for a future exhibit.
Here at Hart Park, one Docent remembers.

“It was a good, fun, cheap way to spend a Saturday or a Friday evening,” said Dean Francuch, Docent with the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.

For others, like lifelong Santa Clarita resident John White, those memories of the Speedway go even deeper.
“The Speedway was always a part of my life. Every Saturday, during the summer months, we would always go and watch the races…especially Demolition Derby nights,” said White.

Before the site was cleared, members of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society say they recovered pieces of the Speedway.

“When it was sold, the developers allowed us to take whatever we wanted from the property that would be historical,” said Barbara Martinelli, Board Member with the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.

But for those who remember it, he says it’s not the same anymore.

“Even though we’ve lost so much of our history here in this valley…It’s my hometown,” said White.

“It’s sad to see everything go like that…there’s hardly anything left from the yesteryears.”

“He also says he has ongoing concerns about the area’s past use.”

“All those hills out there are all just…poisoned,” said White.

And for others…the loss is still being felt.

“It’s unfortunate that they couldn’t keep it open. I think it was a loss to the community,” said Francuch.

For some, the Speedway is something they never experienced.

“I wish I could have been there just for the racing…especially after the loss of my own local short track, which was Irwindale Speedway,” said Rey Castillo, a Railroad Museum Volunteer.

“But at least I can take a piece of the Speedway home with me,” said Castillo after buying a chunk of cement from the Saugus Speedway track.

The legacy lives on.

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