Paramount Ranch Racetrack

Description

Paramount Ranch Racetrack was a racetrack located at Paramount Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains in Agoura Hills California. A total of seven races were held at Paramount Ranch from 1956-1957. After a series of fatalities in short proximity to each other, the track gained a reputation for being a dangerous circuit. After two seasons, Paramount Ranch Racetrack was closed.BackgroundIn 1956, the owner of Paramount Ranch decided to build a road-racing facility. He approached Ken Miles and Dick Van Laanen to design the road course. They designed a paved road course nearly 2 miles in length. The road course included 11 turns with uphill and downhill sections, a straightaway just shy of ¾ mile, a bridge and underpass as well as a lake opposite the start/finish line. Bob Bondurant described the course as “unforgiving but a real challenge”.EventsA total of seven races were held at Paramount Ranch. Five events were sponsored by the California Sports Car Club (CSCC) and two by the United States Auto Club (USAC).August 18–19, 1956 (CSCC)November 4, 1956 (USAC)November 17–18, 1956 (CSCC)March 9–10, 1957 (CSCC)June 15–16, 1957 (CSCC)April 28, 1957 (USAC)December 7–8, 1957 (CSCC)Two fatalities occurred on what would be the final event at Paramount Ranch.TodayThe National Park Service maintains the entire ranch including the racetrack as an historic site. Today, very little remains of the racetrack. As of 2015, the bridge still remains however it has been blocked off so vehicles cannot drive over it. The road underneath the bridge has been overgrown with trees and shrubs. Home construction in the neighboring hillsides has caused water runoff which has destroyed the original layout and terrain of the land from when it was constructed. Much of the roads are no longer discernable. While there is some sentiment among park rangers to repair the circuit and return the track to its former glory, there are no definitive plans in place.