Phenix City, AL

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East Alabama Motor Speedway

4238 US Highway 80 West

Phenix City, AL 36870

East Alabama Motor Speedway

334-297-2594

History:

Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.

Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.

Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award". 

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AARP Events for Phenix City

AARP Events for Phenix City

• The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication

  Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET

  Zoom

  Online Event

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											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
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							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
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										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
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											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
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							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
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										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">East Alabama Motor Speedway</h1></header>

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					<div>
											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
											<div>
							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Phenix City</span>,
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">East Alabama Motor Speedway</h1></header>

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											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
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							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
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View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
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View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
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                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
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	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">East Alabama Motor Speedway</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
											<div>
							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
			</div>
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			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
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	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
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				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
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		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Phenix City</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Phenix City</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
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				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-12282024-5gnv7r5fl8f.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. ET</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/phenix-city-al/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
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                                }
                            </script>
                         
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                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PHENIXCITY-AL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PHENIXCITY-AL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
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<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Alabama Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Alabama Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/Alabama.AARP" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
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</div>
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<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Alabama</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ALAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ALAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/alabama/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Alabama</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-in-your-state/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PHENIXCITY-AL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


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<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpAL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpalabama/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


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	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">East Alabama Motor Speedway</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
											<div>
							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">East Alabama Motor Speedway</h1></header>

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											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
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							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
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										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Phenix City</span>,
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												<span>36870</span>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
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Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
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					<div>
											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
											<div>
							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
											</div>
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								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">East Alabama Motor Speedway</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
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				<p>
					<div>
											<div>4238 US Highway 80 West</div>
											<div>
							<span>Phenix City</span>,
							<span>AL</span>
												<span>36870</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.eamsdirt.com/" target="_blank">East Alabama Motor Speedway</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 334-297-2594</div>
				
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				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History:</p>
<p>Jimmy Thomas, the patriarch of the Thomas family, began it all back in the 1940's with his fascination for tinkering with automobiles. During his service in World War II he requested a transfer to the motor pool which furthered his interests as a mechanic. After his military time Jimmy returned home and was found hanging around the old Columbus, Georgia Speedway, eventually catching the racing bug and building a car which he drove himself. An early accident and serious injuries convinced Jimmy to make the change from driver to car owner and he saw fit to put Walt Kruger, known as the "Muscogee Flyer", behind the wheel of his racer. Together the team earned the Auburn-Opelika Speedway championship and won more than anyone else that season on the Georgia dirt racing circuit. To put icing on the cake Jimmy would gain great respect around the ovals for being named Mechanic of the Year in Georgia - the first award of its kind presented to a local mechanic.</p>
<p>Early in the 1960's Thomas went into business opening the Good and Bad Furniture Store in Columbus, but more importantly, next door Jimmy's Speed Shop, originally founded in 1954, became a full-time operation offering services for racers of all types.</p>
<p>Following his NASCAR exploits Jimmy returned home to his family and the world of dirt late model racing. His dream of building and promoting a race facility came to be when, in 1973, he built from the ground up the East Alabama Motor Speedway, one of the south's most famous and longest running motor racing attractions. East Alabama quickly became a weekly gathering place for much of the Southeast's top dirt late model talent with its well run programs and ripe purses. The track would also receive a NASCAR sanction in 1978, hold Robert Smawley's inaugural NDRA event in 1978 and become home to one of dirt late models racing's biggest annual events - the National 100 held there each season since 1975. Jimmy also became active in promoter's workshops and in 1974 received the Southern Auto Racing News "Promoter of the Year Award".&nbsp;</p>		</div>
		

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</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Alabama.AARP" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpAL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpalabama/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118