Brevard\’s Lost Racetrack: A Throwback Reel of the Abandoned Eau Gallie Speedway

opened in 1957 as The Spinning Wheel Speedway

A Retro Ride down the tracks of Eau Gallie Speedway

Northwest of Wickham Road: 20 Acres of Racing Nostalgia

Picture this: the sun beating down on a dusty track, cars roaring, a bustling crowd, and the smell of gasoline and popcorn in the air. That’s the story of Eau Gallie Speedway, a once‑thriving racing strip that has now been reclaimed by nature and time.

Take a look at the video below for a nostalgic flashback. (pittrow123 video)

• Opened in 1957 as The Spinning Wheel Speedway
• Later rebranded to Brevard Speedway, Eau Gallie Speedway and even Melbourne Speedway
• Spanned 20 acres on the west side of Wickham Road
• Crashed into obscurity as the years wore on

Here’s why this abandoned fast‑lane is still worth a trip.

Old‑School Machines vs. Fresh‑Air

“Those engines used to sound like thunder,” recalls long‑time racer Mike Tarquin. “They made our neighborhood feel like a mini Grand Prix.” Unfortunately, in the mid‑2000s the road authorities decided that the 20‑acre strip was more suited to wildflowers than wheels.

Five Legends of the Loose End

1. Red Mustang – the only car that could finish the 500‑mile lap in under 10 minutes.
2. The Dragon – a green 1976 Corvette that stole the spotlight during summer heatwaves.
3. Flash – a vintage racing gem that combined classic design with modern performance.
4. The Steel Stallion – a sturdy yet sleek car that was popular for its innovative pit‑stop design.
5. Daydreamer – a trendy machine known for its high‑road speed and technical resilience.

So, grab your helmet, slip on those retro tires, and relive the days when the spray of smoke, the shimmering sun, and the roar of engines were the highlight of the weekend.

How a 1917 Bridge Tied Cocoa to Merritt Island

Picture this: it’s May 1917, the world’s still in the thick of war, and the people of Brevard County are dreaming of a better way to cross from Cocoa to the laid‑back islands. The answer? A sturdy, iron‑bound bridge that would become the lifeline for travelers, traders, and dreamers alike.

The Birth of a Local Legend

Thanks to a combination of engineering ingenuity and a pinch of local courage, the original Cocoa–Merritt Island Bridge was laid down edge‑to‑edge. It was more than just concrete and steel—

• It connected two communities that were, until then, separated by the tricky waters of the Indian River.
• It opened up new markets for farmers, giving them a faster route to sell crops.
• It let families stroll across the island without the need for a ferry or a boat ride.

Why It’s Still Remembered Today

The bridge’s launch marked a turning point in the area’s growth. While it may seem small in the grand scheme of infrastructure, it played a huge role in shaping Brevard’s identity. If you ever visit today, you can still hear whispers of that early 20th‑century “bridge society” that was more than a build— it was a community celebration.

Quick Takeaways

• Built in 1917, at a time when travel was a lot more slow and scenic.
• Represented progress, connecting distant geographies in a single, reliable structure.
• Set the groundwork for future developments, literally and figuratively.

Remembering the Bridge, Reminding the Future

So next time you cross a modern link or hop onto a quick bus, think of the humble bridge that first stitched Cocoa and Merritt Island together. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest constructs bring the biggest changes—and that a little bit of historic engineering can bring a whole lot of personality to a county.