In the 60s, racing circuits popped up all over the United States to fill the high demand for racing entertainment. Before long, more tracks could be built than sustained by the industry many closed the gates and fell into neglect, later being developed into shopping centers and housing developments.
The Stardust International Raceway was opened in 1965 in the Spring Valley of Las Vegas, Nevada. The facility included a 3-mile, 13-turn road course and a quarter-mile drag strip. Owned by the Stardust Hotel and Casino, the track was built to attract high rollers to the hotel. When the hotel was sold in 1969, the track was abandoned with drag racing events finally ceasing in 1970. Later, the land was bought by Pardee Homes and the Spring Valley community was built in the track’s place.
Stardust hosted Can-Am races from 1966 through 1968 with John Surtees winning the first two and Denny Hulme taking the last. A Trans-Am race was held in 1967, won by Mark Donohue.