Over the past several weeks, I’ve received a significant number of calls, messages, and emails about the future of Greenville Pickens Speedway. I understand why. The speedway is more than just a piece of property. It represents history, Saturday nights under the lights, generations of families in the stands, and a real piece of Upstate culture. I’ve enjoyed races there myself, and I’ve even performed there. I respect what that place means to people, and I completely understand why so many want to see it preserved.
That said, it’s important to clarify something up front. Despite the first word in its name, Greenville Pickens Speedway is located in Pickens County. Greenville County has zero jurisdiction over it. We do not regulate it, we do not zone it, we do not control its sale, and we do not have authority over land-use decisions affecting that property. Because “Greenville” is in the name, many residents understandably assume we have some role. We do not. And I believe it’s important to speak plainly about that.
If a private property owner decides to sell, the legal framework governing what can and cannot be done rests primarily with the local government that has jurisdiction, in this case, Pickens County. Zoning authority, land-use regulation, and development approvals all sit there. Any meaningful effort to preserve the racetrack would need to originate within Pickens County’s governing authority or through state-level action that respects constitutional property protections. Government cannot selectively override private property rights simply because a site is popular or historic. That precedent would concern all of us.
What has added confusion to this situation is that one of the main South Carolina legislators representing Pickens County, has apparently been telling some advocates that Greenville County can take certain actions regarding the speedway. That is simply not accurate. We cannot zone land in another county. We cannot appropriate funds to control private property outside our jurisdiction. We cannot override Pickens County Council decisions. Several residents who contacted me were under the impression that we could “step in” or “block” something. We cannot.
I have invited that representative to call me directly so we can clarify any misunderstanding and speak plainly about what is legally possible and what is not. As of now, I have not heard from him. The public deserves clarity, not confusion.
If there is a serious desire to preserve the speedway, the conversation must begin in Pickens County. That could include zoning discussions, historic preservation tools, public-private partnerships, purchase negotiations, or engagement at the state level. But none of those mechanisms originate in Greenville County. Cooperation across county lines is always possible when there is alignment and willingness. However, Greenville County cannot substitute for Pickens County if there is not local desire to engage more directly in potential solutions. That is simply how local government works in South Carolina.
To Be Clear
Personally, I would love to see the speedway preserved. As someone who appreciates its history and has been part of events there, I recognize the cultural weight it carries.
I have even been blessed to have my name on a car!
But personal preference does not override jurisdictional reality. Respecting history and respecting property rights are not mutually exclusive. The key question is whether Pickens County leadership and local stakeholders want to pursue preservation pathways and whether a viable solution exists within the law.
For those who want to keep up with the public side of the effort to preserve the racetrack, you can follow updates HERE
I will always listen to residents who care about protecting pieces of our region’s heritage. But I will also always tell you the truth about what government can and cannot do. Greenville County does not have authority over Greenville Pickens Speedway. If a solution emerges, it will have to originate where the jurisdiction lies. Sometimes leadership means saying what people may not want to hear, but need to understand. And as always, I’ll continue to keep you informed.
