Introduction:
The era of Prohibition in the United States from 1920 to 1933 gave rise to the underground world of bootlegging and moonshining. One such fascinating discovery has recently been made at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, where a potential moonshine cave has been found under the grandstands. This finding has sparked interest in the history of bootlegging in the area and the possible link between rum-running and racing. In this article, we will delve into the history of moonshining, the discovery of the cave at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, and the connections between bootlegging and NASCAR racing.
During the Prohibition era, the Volstead Act made the production and sale of alcoholic beverages illegal in the United States. This led to a surge in illicit activities by bootleggers who operated underground distilleries to produce moonshine. The name “moonshine” is believed to have originated from the fact that the illegal liquor was often distilled at night to avoid detection by law enforcement. Moonshiners took great risk in producing and distributing their product, and the demand for illegal alcohol remained high throughout the Prohibition period.
The North Wilkesboro Speedway, a historic racing venue in Wilkes County, North Carolina, recently made an intriguing discovery under its grandstands. While performing maintenance and inspection of the seating area, staff noticed cracks in the concrete of Section N. Upon further investigation, a 700-square-foot cave was uncovered, raising suspicions that it could have been used as a moonshine distillery. The location of the cave, hidden beneath the grandstands, suggests that it may have served as a clandestine operation during the Prohibition era.
The connection between bootlegging and racing during the Prohibition era is a well-documented part of American history. To evade the authorities while transporting illegal alcohol, bootleggers became adept at modifying and speeding up their vehicles. These skills eventually led some bootleggers to pursue racing as a legitimate sport. Notable figures like Junior Johnson, a successful NASCAR driver in the 1950s, had roots in bootlegging. The discovery of the potential moonshine cave at the North Wilkesboro Speedway highlights the overlapping worlds of moonshining and racing in the region.
The uncovering of the moonshine cave at the North Wilkesboro Speedway adds a layer of historical significance to the racing venue. The presence of a possible illegal distillery under the grandstands sheds light on the adventurous and risky activities of bootleggers during Prohibition. It also raises questions about the extent of moonshining in the area and the legacy of those who defied the law to produce and sell alcohol. The track officials are now faced with the task of preserving and investigating the cave while ensuring the safety of spectators during upcoming events.
As the North Wilkesboro Speedway prepares to host the NASCAR All-Star Race Week, track officials are working to repair the concrete and reinstall the 600 seats that were removed to access the cave. While the immediate focus is on ensuring the facility is ready for upcoming events, there is growing interest in exploring the cave further to uncover any potential remnants of a moonshine operation. The discovery has sparked curiosity among racing enthusiasts and historians, who see it as a unique opportunity to learn more about the intersection of racing and bootlegging in the region.
In conclusion, the finding of a potential moonshine cave at the North Wilkesboro Speedway offers a glimpse into the hidden history of Prohibition-era activities in the area. The link between bootlegging and racing provides an intriguing backdrop to the discovery, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of those who navigated the illicit world of moonshining. As efforts continue to investigate the cave and its possible connections to bootlegging, the North Wilkesboro Speedway stands as a living testament to the colorful past of American prohibition and the enduring legacy of those who dared to defy the law.