Honey Creek near Terre Haute in Vigo County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Terre Haute
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021
1. Terre Haute Marker
Without doubt the ˝ mile dirt track located within the Vigo County Fairgrounds, is one of the most acclaimed race tracks in the nation. Some of the world’s best drivers have competed on the famed oval, including A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Parnell Jones, Jim Hurtubise, Al Unser Sr. Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. The facility has earned the nickname, “The Action Track”, for the nonstop racing thrills and excitement witnessed there since its 1952 creation.
Donald E. Smith, acclaimed businessman, Terre Haute native, and the track’s first Director of Competition, was the man most responsible for its renown. He created the famed Hut Hundred, and Hulman Classic races, and attracted the TV show, “Wide World of Sports”. Also a team owner, Don’s racing contributions have been invaluable. However, the racing community best recalls him for his kindness and generosity. To them Don will always be the “Racer’s Friend”.
Erected 2015 by Indiana Racing Memorial Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 39° 25.176′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and in the Wabash Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Birthplace of Paul Dresser (approx. 2.6 miles away); Wea Tribe at Terre Haute (approx. 2.8 miles away); Lynching in America / Facing Injustice (approx. 3.2 miles away); Vietnam War Memorial - - Vigo County Indiana (approx. 3.2 miles away); Korean War Memorial - - Vigo County Indiana
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021
2. Terre Haute Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Birthplace of the Coca-Cola Bottle (was approx. 1˝ miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021
3. Terre Haute Marker
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021
4. Terre Haute Marker
the marker, behind the grandstand, at the fairgrounds track
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021
5. Terre Haute Marker
the sign under the bleachers
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 332 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 27, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
