Lehi, Arkansas facts for kids

Lehi (sometimes spelled LeHi) is a small place in Crittenden County, Arkansas, in the United States. It's not a city or town with its own government, but rather an area where people live. You can find Lehi right where several important roads meet: I-40, US-79, US-63, and AR 147.

Lehi is known for something very exciting from the past: it was once home to a famous NASCAR race track called the Memphis-Arkansas Speedway.

Discovering Lehi, Arkansas

Lehi is a quiet community with an interesting history. Even though it's not a big city, it has played a part in the story of Arkansas, especially in the world of racing.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An "unincorporated community" is a group of homes or businesses that are not part of an official city or town. This means they don't have their own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, they are usually governed by the county they are in. For Lehi, that's Crittenden County. People in unincorporated areas still get services like police and fire protection, but these are provided by the county.

Where is Lehi Located?

Lehi is in eastern Arkansas, very close to the border with Tennessee. Its location is quite important because it sits at a crossroads of major highways.

• Interstate 40 (I-40) is a huge highway that goes all the way across the United States, from California to North Carolina.
• US-79 and US-63 are also important roads that connect different parts of the country.
• Arkansas Highway 147 (AR 147) is a state road that helps connect smaller towns within Arkansas.

Being at this intersection means Lehi was a place where travelers and goods passed through, making it a notable spot on the map.

The Exciting History of Memphis-Arkansas Speedway

One of the most famous things about Lehi is its connection to car racing. The Memphis-Arkansas Speedway was a popular track that brought a lot of excitement to the area.

Racing Days at the Speedway

The Memphis-Arkansas Speedway was a one-mile dirt oval track. It opened in 1954 and quickly became a place where top drivers competed. NASCAR, which stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, held several big races there. These races were part of NASCAR's Grand National Series, which is now known as the NASCAR Cup Series.

Famous drivers like Lee Petty, Herb Thomas, and Tim Flock raced at the Speedway. These were some of the biggest names in racing during the 1950s. The roar of the engines and the cheers of the crowd must have been incredible! The track hosted races in 1954, 1955, and 1956.

What Happened to the Track?

Even though the Speedway was popular, it didn't last very long. After just a few years, the track closed down. The last NASCAR race held there was on June 10, 1956. Over time, the track was no longer used for racing and eventually disappeared. Today, if you visit Lehi, you won't see the old Speedway. However, its memory lives on as an important part of NASCAR's early history and Lehi's past.

Lehi Today

Today, Lehi remains a small, unincorporated community. While the exciting days of NASCAR racing are long gone, the area continues to be a quiet place for its residents. Its location near major highways still makes it a recognizable spot in Crittenden County, Arkansas.