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Some racing legends jump-started their career at the Old Columbia Speedway in Cayce. 

The names included Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, Ned Jarret, and Buddy Baker.  Baker spent Saturday at the speedway sharing stories from the good old days.

He said Thursdays were the big night at the speedway where amateurs became legends. Baker said that he would not have had a career if he was not involved on the "big nights."  He said, "This was it - every Thursday night, and when I got where I could see Ralph Earndhart and took the checker, I knew I could move to a new track."

Thirty years later, the track has become a forgotten part of the Midlands, and nature has taken over the old speedway. Baker would like to see the track return to its glory days to help young racers looking to make a name for themselves - just like it helped him become a legend. 

Baker also adds with such a huge turnout on Saturday, it shows how much the Midlands supports racing, and he would like to see Thursday nights return to the Old Columbia Speedway.