Very Few Remember This Small, Abandoned Test Track in Northern Indiana

Even those who live nearby may not know about the existance of this small, abandoned test track in northern Indiana. Only when seen from the air can you make out the broken pavement of this oval track.

It's located in South Bend on the city's northwest side, near Bendix. The auto parts maker historically has been one of the city's core industrial employers.

The subject came up recently on the History of South Bend/Mishawaka Facebook group.

Luckily member of the group with long memories have the answer and the clue is Bendix. The oval is said to have once been a test track for the company to give a go to their brakes, both for cars and bikes.

Another commentor states that while the property is not fenced it, it belongs to Honeywell so is private. As with all private property, it's not your playground, so...
WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Rust Best Proving Grounds and Test Tracks

Here in the Rust Belt, current and former test tracks are a somewhat common phenomenon to stumble upon like the Checker Cab test track in Kalamazoo and the still active tracks and proving grounds like Eaton's facility in Marshall and the GM proving grounds in Milford. That facility was the world's first automotive proving ground and dates back to 1924- incredibly still in active use today.

While you may never get the chance to drive on a test track, the solo nature of the drive may be a welcome relief if you live in a place where driving can be downright dangerous. Check out these rankings of where it's not the safest to get behind the wheel.