As much as we hate to admit it, nothing lasts forever. While we often visit tracks that have stood for decades, the sad truth is that each year, many facilities close their doors for good. The moment those chains are locked, the earth begins the slow but unrelenting process of reclaiming the grounds. Along that journey of reclamation, the sights can be sad, if not downright eerie. YouTuber Your purkz recently visited Maryland’s 75-80 Dragway with an aerial drone and captured this excellent footage of the crumbling track.

Situated near the intersection of Routes 75 and 80 in Monrovia, Maryland, the track first opened in the early 1960’s and ran continuously through 2005, when it was supposedly closed for good. However, a strong showing of support from the local fans and racers prompted the track owners to complete some upgrades to the facility in 2007 and reopen for racing in 2009. As is often the case, that strong local support began to wane, and the lights went out for the final time in September of 2013. Based on those dates, it’s pretty apparent just how quickly nature goes about its quiet duty when humans vacate an area, as the decay that’s overtaken the property in the video is less than three years’ work.

While many former competitors and fans long for another reopening, the prognosis is dire, as it seems to be certain 75-80 is going to be yet another quality racetrack that will be replaced with rows of houses. While we certainly keep our eyes to the future, seeing the sport we love so dearly take a hit like this seems like a step backwards. Perhaps the future owners will see the positives a drag strip can provide the community and restore it to its former glory? Only time will tell…