By Eric Curl
July 4, 2025 – The city of Savannah is seeking contractors to remove an estimated 3,500 scrap tires scattered along Hutchinson Island’s Grand Prize of America Avenue, remnants of what was once envisioned for use as both a community access road and track for high-profile auto races.
The development road, which doubled as a racetrack, was completed by the Chatham County government at a cost of $3.6 million in 1996, in time for an Indy Lights event in 1997. Despite positive feedback and good turnout, the race left behind significant debt, forcing the organizers into bankruptcy, and was never repeated. And until recently, the expected residential development failed to move forward, leaving the 2.1-mile road mostly unused.
The road became popular with want-to-be Formula One racers looking to test out their sports cars on the roadway at dangerous speeds. That practice resulted in the tragic death in 2013 of Savannah jazz musician Ben Tucker, who was struck by a speeding car while crossing the road in a golf cart.
Racing was revitalized in a way under Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) as part of the Savannah Speed Classic in 2008. The annual vintage and historic car race and showcase continued each fall until safety concerns due to revived development on the island forced its cancellation in 2021.
Now one of the last vestiges of the road’s racing past – discarded tires that served as safety barriers on the sharp curves – are set to be collected. The road is well on its way to soley serving as a loop for residents and visitors rather than speed enthusiasts.
Developments underway include The Isling at Savannah Harbor, a 36-acre residential community that is expected to include 198 luxury homes. Woodfield Development also recently completed the 280-unit EmmaJames apartment complex at Savannah Harbor, a 35-acre mixed-use community under development with a 150-slip marina. In addition, the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center is now open, and the center’s state authority is planning a 400-room hotel west of the facility.
RELATED – Auto Racing Group Could Be Forced Into Chapter 7 (Savannah Morning News)
RELATED – Racing history of Grand Prize of America (Racinngcicuits.info)
RELATED – Savannah Speed Classic races back home (Savannah Morning News)
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