Steel City Derby: A Journey Through the Decades

The Early Years

Pittsburgh's Steel City Derby has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 1900s. In those early days, the races were held on dirt tracks and were a popular form of entertainment for the city's working-class residents.

The first recorded Steel City Derby was held in 1904 at the Hazelwood Speedway. The race was won by a horse named Dan Patch, who set a world record for the one-mile race.

The Golden Age

The 1920s and 1930s were the golden age of Steel City Derby. The races were held at the newly built Motor Square Garden, which was one of the largest and most modern racetracks in the country.

During this time, Steel City Derby became a major sporting event in Pittsburgh. The races attracted large crowds and were broadcast on the radio and in newspapers.

The Decline

After World War II, the popularity of Steel City Derby began to decline. The rise of auto racing and other forms of entertainment led to a decrease in attendance at the races.

In 1957, Motor Square Garden closed, and the Steel City Derby was forced to find a new home. The races were eventually moved to the Pittsburgh International Race Complex, where they are still held today.

The Revival

In recent years, Steel City Derby has experienced a resurgence in popularity. The races have been expanded to include a variety of different classes of cars, and the track has been renovated to provide a better experience for fans.

Today, Steel City Derby is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Pittsburgh. The races are a great way to experience the city's history and culture.