Motorsports Expo, 3/9/07 -
3/11/07
3/11/07
You can't say enough, or give enough credit to the
dedicated racers that commit and then participate in
the winter car shows. Simply put, it's a difficult task
at best. At our Fall meeting, when the sun was still
close enough to keep us warm and snow flakes were
inevitable but still off in the future, members
committed to making the Motorsports Expo. John
Clark had to build a car and related that he "needed
a deadline or else it'll never get done." He busted his
tail rebuilding a dilapidated 1956 Ford latemodel and
restoring it to it's former beauty, just as it raced at
Midstate Speedway. In fact, when former owner Al
Turner saw it, he flipped and related it was better
now than ever. It is. Restoring a car such as this
takes a great deal of commitment, time, energy, and
money as well. That leaky faucet waits, finding an old
set of Racemasters that will hold air becomes an
obsession. All of our members know the routine, it's
not so much of just a hobby, it becomes a quest. As
does getting a car to the Expo. Mel Ogden had his
#65 Brooks Bar-B-Que Special out of the garage over
a month ago, running and ready to go. Jim Hilimire
touched up the #99 Rollie Velte replica, paid to have
a loader remove snow and salted his drive for days.
Even the salt froze. Mother nature wasn't kind too
either as freezing temperatures did them both in,
Jim couldn't even get loaded and Mel made it all the
way up to Syracuse only to find he couldn't get
unloaded with a frozen transmission. A shame, but it
happens, especially on an open trailer. Then there's
the salt, if it isn't eating away at your car then it's
getting your trailer. We know all about 'the spring
re-wiring' routine. Bottom line, showing a car at the
Motorsports Expo is an honor, and one that many
will make some sacrifices for.
Three of those many were John Clark with the
aforementioned #10 latemodel, Alan Weaver with his
gorgeous Seamon built #77 Pinto driven by Chip
Lanz and Mike Newell with the Pink Panther. Mike is
our Show Car chairman this year and has poured
himself into his position. We were fortunate enough
to get John Button to place his Hillegas sprinter and
midget in our display, which was set up next to John
Grady again this year. These are people dedicated to
the history of stock car racing, their efforts made for
a great display.
On Saturday we held out third annual "Legends of
Stock Car Racing" Autograph session. This is an
event we always look forward to, an opportunity to
see people we may not have seen in a year. Upon
arrival Joe Patrick relates to me that Dutch won't be
able to make the session which is unfortunate but
understandable of course. Dutch's wife Doris
recently passed away as most of you know, she was a
wonderful person and will be greatly missed. John
McArdell and Rollie Velte both had to cancel as well
due to Doctors orders, maybe we can welcome them
all to our session next year. Over to our display and it
looks great, John's latemodel is super sharp and a
hit, as are the Alan's Pinto and the Newell Pink
Panther, they all shine. Ron Gapski approaches with
a $%!# eating grin on his face "So, hows the enemy
doing?" he asks and we both roar. Gotta admit, it was
funny, and we have a nice conversation. Wouldn't
surprise me to see Ron build another car for driver
Phil Claussen to join us. Shortly after Al and Scott
Turner make their way to our display. Al was on
hand for our session and to greet fans looking over
the car he drove at Midstate. It was good to see Scott,
we used to share the backfield for the New Berlin
Hawks football team and Scott very well may have
been the best running back on the team although
the blocking fullback wasn't too bad...Dick and
Nancy Schoonover are next to show up, can't meet
nicer people. Then Benny Stephens and Bernie
Miller show up, this is getting good. My jaw and neck
are on swivels, we meet and greet continuously and
my only regret is that I didn't have enough time to
spend more with people. There's Larry Nye with his
Midstate shirt on, Irish Jack Murphy is breaking
John Button's chops about bringing a dirty car to the
show, John relates 'It won the last time out and
hasn't been washed since', looks great to me. There's
the Zacharias family, all smiles and this is shaping
up very well. Joe Marotta is talking up the session,
Richard parry is showing off his Rene Charland
jacket, Alan Weaver has a sharp Richie Evans jacket
on as well. It's busy and the stories and smiles are
flowing. I's nearly 1:00 now and the session is due to
start.
Up on stage they go, Jim Zacharias, Al Turner, Dick
Schoonover, Bernie Miller, Irish Jack Murphy, Benny
Stephens and Larry Nye. Larry and Jim get into it
immediately about who raced the longest, tough call
on that one. The line forms and the drivers start
signing photo's provided by the club. Young and old
are all in line, it's really neat to see the kids getting
the autographs and some of the these kids are in
their 50's and 60's. Wee Willie Allan joins the group
and takes some good natured ribbing in stride. The
photo's are gone in a hurry, which is saying a lot, but
fortunately people have brought items as well. Cliff
Kotary joins the group last and the line starts over for
the third time. Joe Patrick brings a sleeve of Gater
hats for the attendees and is also giving them each a
years subscription, a good deal. The line is steady for
an hour and I'll bet those sharpies are well used by
now. The best part may well be the end of the session
though, Cliff grabs Willie and they grapple, don't
know when the last time was you saw two men of this
age wrestle, it was a sight. Obviously, the competitive
fire still burns, "When I came out there I kicked
you're guys @$$#$", "Yeah, but we caught up quick",
fun stuff and all in good nature. Then they started on
each other's hats, a sign of respect for one another
and a nice souvenir of the days event. It was really a
great time and I want to thank them all for attending.
Back to the booth which is continuously busy. I get
to meet new member Pat Hanley, Lew Boyd stops by
as we're looking over a photo album of the Hemi
Cuda restoration, another potential new member.
Jim Reid of Lancaster Speedway stops by to extend a
invite to their 'Heroes Homecoming' event on June
9th, we'll discuss that and other possible schedule
additions at our spring meeting. Carl Carpenter has
found some nice pictures of the Wilcox 32 Falcon at
John Grady's booth, my jaws getting sore and it's
time to pack it up. Many thanks to all who made our
show a success: Mike and Debby Newell, John and
Barb Clark, Alan and Roxanne Weaver, Jim Hilimire,
The Schoonovers, John Button and all of our
members that showed up to make the day complete.
Another successful show, hope you all enjoyed it.
Lastly, an update on Bill Wimble forwarded by Dave
Conde from Bill's wife Nancy.
GOOD NEWS!!!!
Hi All:
Bill and I went to the ENT doctor this morning.
Before we saw the doctor, Bill asked the receptionist
if they got a copy of the PET/CT scan from VyMed.
She said no but went about getting a copy and gave
us one. We read it and were ecstatic but afraid we
might not fully understand all of it. The doctor
confirmed that there was no infection, no
inflammation and best of all NO CANCER. He did
the scope again and felt the original site of the
tumor. He said it was beautiful.
The future plan is to go to the ENT doctor every other
month and the Radiation doctor every other month
so he will see a doctor once a month. After 2 years, if
there is no recurrence, Bill will be
considered cured.
We were both in shock! The next step will be
removing the feeding tube. Then he can play golf
again.
Thank all of you for the cards, etc. but most of all for
the prayers.
If you want to email Bill directly, his address is
billw@redstone33.com but keep in mind that he
doesn't look at email every day and he doesn't type.
Feel free to call him also.
God Bless.
Nancy and Bill
dedicated racers that commit and then participate in
the winter car shows. Simply put, it's a difficult task
at best. At our Fall meeting, when the sun was still
close enough to keep us warm and snow flakes were
inevitable but still off in the future, members
committed to making the Motorsports Expo. John
Clark had to build a car and related that he "needed
a deadline or else it'll never get done." He busted his
tail rebuilding a dilapidated 1956 Ford latemodel and
restoring it to it's former beauty, just as it raced at
Midstate Speedway. In fact, when former owner Al
Turner saw it, he flipped and related it was better
now than ever. It is. Restoring a car such as this
takes a great deal of commitment, time, energy, and
money as well. That leaky faucet waits, finding an old
set of Racemasters that will hold air becomes an
obsession. All of our members know the routine, it's
not so much of just a hobby, it becomes a quest. As
does getting a car to the Expo. Mel Ogden had his
#65 Brooks Bar-B-Que Special out of the garage over
a month ago, running and ready to go. Jim Hilimire
touched up the #99 Rollie Velte replica, paid to have
a loader remove snow and salted his drive for days.
Even the salt froze. Mother nature wasn't kind too
either as freezing temperatures did them both in,
Jim couldn't even get loaded and Mel made it all the
way up to Syracuse only to find he couldn't get
unloaded with a frozen transmission. A shame, but it
happens, especially on an open trailer. Then there's
the salt, if it isn't eating away at your car then it's
getting your trailer. We know all about 'the spring
re-wiring' routine. Bottom line, showing a car at the
Motorsports Expo is an honor, and one that many
will make some sacrifices for.
Three of those many were John Clark with the
aforementioned #10 latemodel, Alan Weaver with his
gorgeous Seamon built #77 Pinto driven by Chip
Lanz and Mike Newell with the Pink Panther. Mike is
our Show Car chairman this year and has poured
himself into his position. We were fortunate enough
to get John Button to place his Hillegas sprinter and
midget in our display, which was set up next to John
Grady again this year. These are people dedicated to
the history of stock car racing, their efforts made for
a great display.
On Saturday we held out third annual "Legends of
Stock Car Racing" Autograph session. This is an
event we always look forward to, an opportunity to
see people we may not have seen in a year. Upon
arrival Joe Patrick relates to me that Dutch won't be
able to make the session which is unfortunate but
understandable of course. Dutch's wife Doris
recently passed away as most of you know, she was a
wonderful person and will be greatly missed. John
McArdell and Rollie Velte both had to cancel as well
due to Doctors orders, maybe we can welcome them
all to our session next year. Over to our display and it
looks great, John's latemodel is super sharp and a
hit, as are the Alan's Pinto and the Newell Pink
Panther, they all shine. Ron Gapski approaches with
a $%!# eating grin on his face "So, hows the enemy
doing?" he asks and we both roar. Gotta admit, it was
funny, and we have a nice conversation. Wouldn't
surprise me to see Ron build another car for driver
Phil Claussen to join us. Shortly after Al and Scott
Turner make their way to our display. Al was on
hand for our session and to greet fans looking over
the car he drove at Midstate. It was good to see Scott,
we used to share the backfield for the New Berlin
Hawks football team and Scott very well may have
been the best running back on the team although
the blocking fullback wasn't too bad...Dick and
Nancy Schoonover are next to show up, can't meet
nicer people. Then Benny Stephens and Bernie
Miller show up, this is getting good. My jaw and neck
are on swivels, we meet and greet continuously and
my only regret is that I didn't have enough time to
spend more with people. There's Larry Nye with his
Midstate shirt on, Irish Jack Murphy is breaking
John Button's chops about bringing a dirty car to the
show, John relates 'It won the last time out and
hasn't been washed since', looks great to me. There's
the Zacharias family, all smiles and this is shaping
up very well. Joe Marotta is talking up the session,
Richard parry is showing off his Rene Charland
jacket, Alan Weaver has a sharp Richie Evans jacket
on as well. It's busy and the stories and smiles are
flowing. I's nearly 1:00 now and the session is due to
start.
Up on stage they go, Jim Zacharias, Al Turner, Dick
Schoonover, Bernie Miller, Irish Jack Murphy, Benny
Stephens and Larry Nye. Larry and Jim get into it
immediately about who raced the longest, tough call
on that one. The line forms and the drivers start
signing photo's provided by the club. Young and old
are all in line, it's really neat to see the kids getting
the autographs and some of the these kids are in
their 50's and 60's. Wee Willie Allan joins the group
and takes some good natured ribbing in stride. The
photo's are gone in a hurry, which is saying a lot, but
fortunately people have brought items as well. Cliff
Kotary joins the group last and the line starts over for
the third time. Joe Patrick brings a sleeve of Gater
hats for the attendees and is also giving them each a
years subscription, a good deal. The line is steady for
an hour and I'll bet those sharpies are well used by
now. The best part may well be the end of the session
though, Cliff grabs Willie and they grapple, don't
know when the last time was you saw two men of this
age wrestle, it was a sight. Obviously, the competitive
fire still burns, "When I came out there I kicked
you're guys @$$#$", "Yeah, but we caught up quick",
fun stuff and all in good nature. Then they started on
each other's hats, a sign of respect for one another
and a nice souvenir of the days event. It was really a
great time and I want to thank them all for attending.
Back to the booth which is continuously busy. I get
to meet new member Pat Hanley, Lew Boyd stops by
as we're looking over a photo album of the Hemi
Cuda restoration, another potential new member.
Jim Reid of Lancaster Speedway stops by to extend a
invite to their 'Heroes Homecoming' event on June
9th, we'll discuss that and other possible schedule
additions at our spring meeting. Carl Carpenter has
found some nice pictures of the Wilcox 32 Falcon at
John Grady's booth, my jaws getting sore and it's
time to pack it up. Many thanks to all who made our
show a success: Mike and Debby Newell, John and
Barb Clark, Alan and Roxanne Weaver, Jim Hilimire,
The Schoonovers, John Button and all of our
members that showed up to make the day complete.
Another successful show, hope you all enjoyed it.
Lastly, an update on Bill Wimble forwarded by Dave
Conde from Bill's wife Nancy.
GOOD NEWS!!!!
Hi All:
Bill and I went to the ENT doctor this morning.
Before we saw the doctor, Bill asked the receptionist
if they got a copy of the PET/CT scan from VyMed.
She said no but went about getting a copy and gave
us one. We read it and were ecstatic but afraid we
might not fully understand all of it. The doctor
confirmed that there was no infection, no
inflammation and best of all NO CANCER. He did
the scope again and felt the original site of the
tumor. He said it was beautiful.
The future plan is to go to the ENT doctor every other
month and the Radiation doctor every other month
so he will see a doctor once a month. After 2 years, if
there is no recurrence, Bill will be
considered cured.
We were both in shock! The next step will be
removing the feeding tube. Then he can play golf
again.
Thank all of you for the cards, etc. but most of all for
the prayers.
If you want to email Bill directly, his address is
billw@redstone33.com but keep in mind that he
doesn't look at email every day and he doesn't type.
Feel free to call him also.
God Bless.
Nancy and Bill
Update 3/18/07
Our club didn't have any events this past week however we've had some pictures forwarded
to us that deserve posting so here goes...The first two were taken by Mike Newell's
daughter Tonya Rearick at the Motorsports Expo and show a proud Grandpa at the wheel
of the Pink Panther..
to us that deserve posting so here goes...The first two were taken by Mike Newell's
daughter Tonya Rearick at the Motorsports Expo and show a proud Grandpa at the wheel
of the Pink Panther..
These photo's were forwarded by Doug Fetterly of Harrisville, NY. They were
taken in the pits at the Zephyrhills, Florida meet this past February. Thanks to
Doug for sending them, lot of nice cars at the meet including some from NY.
taken in the pits at the Zephyrhills, Florida meet this past February. Thanks to
Doug for sending them, lot of nice cars at the meet including some from NY.
Thanks Doug!
Lastly, we've just been informed that former Watertown Speedway Champion and
Grand National competitor Dick May of Harrisburg, North Carolina has received
notification of his induction into the DIRT Motorsports Hall Of Fame. Congratulations
Dick, a well deserved honor. Thanks have to go to Mike Perry of Dekalb Junction, NY for
submitting his nomination, it's good to see Dick get some well deserved recognition for
his racing career. The Induction takes place on Sunday, May 27th in Weedsport, NY @
the DIRT Motorsports Hall of Fame, that'll be a day to look forward to.
Grand National competitor Dick May of Harrisburg, North Carolina has received
notification of his induction into the DIRT Motorsports Hall Of Fame. Congratulations
Dick, a well deserved honor. Thanks have to go to Mike Perry of Dekalb Junction, NY for
submitting his nomination, it's good to see Dick get some well deserved recognition for
his racing career. The Induction takes place on Sunday, May 27th in Weedsport, NY @
the DIRT Motorsports Hall of Fame, that'll be a day to look forward to.
Dick May to be inducted
into DIRT Motorsports HOF!
into DIRT Motorsports HOF!
Update 3/25/07
Subject: A Heartfelt Thank You
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:43:53 -0500
Nancy and I want to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, all those
wonderful people who supported us in so many ways through and after
my cancer treatment.
Those ways include prayers, cards, emails, visits, offers of help,
phone calls, best wishes, encouragement, motivational messages - you
name it - we received it and it came in waves.
I cannot begin to tell you what it all meant to me and how much all
of you helped me through the ordeal of treatment, which is over, and
the subsequent recovery, which is still ongoing.
You uplifted my spirits and I was humbled at the same time, in
understanding how many friends and well wishers were out there
wanting to help and encourage me. You had me on an emotional roller
coaster day after day when some of your great messages moved me to
tears.
Those messages came from all over this great country. It was and
still is literally unbelievable to me that the messages could have
come in such volume from so many places. Some came from seniors who
were children when I last saw them as much as 50 years ago.
Through it all Nancy was my rock of help and support. She is such a
wonderful, loving wife and simply a great person. I thank God for
her and I thank God for all of you out there to whom this is
addressed.
God Bless You All
Bill Wimble
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:43:53 -0500
Nancy and I want to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, all those
wonderful people who supported us in so many ways through and after
my cancer treatment.
Those ways include prayers, cards, emails, visits, offers of help,
phone calls, best wishes, encouragement, motivational messages - you
name it - we received it and it came in waves.
I cannot begin to tell you what it all meant to me and how much all
of you helped me through the ordeal of treatment, which is over, and
the subsequent recovery, which is still ongoing.
You uplifted my spirits and I was humbled at the same time, in
understanding how many friends and well wishers were out there
wanting to help and encourage me. You had me on an emotional roller
coaster day after day when some of your great messages moved me to
tears.
Those messages came from all over this great country. It was and
still is literally unbelievable to me that the messages could have
come in such volume from so many places. Some came from seniors who
were children when I last saw them as much as 50 years ago.
Through it all Nancy was my rock of help and support. She is such a
wonderful, loving wife and simply a great person. I thank God for
her and I thank God for all of you out there to whom this is
addressed.
God Bless You All
Bill Wimble
Update 4/8/07
Spring Meeting 2007
Our Spring meeting was held at Mike Newell's
residence in Morris, NY on Saturday April 7th. The
main purpose of the meeting was to get members
updated on the upcoming season's schedule and
take stock of everyone's progress through the
winter. Many club members have been busy
building cars and we look forward to their
unveiling at our shows this year. John Clark,
Richard Ackerman, Mike Newell, Larry and Howdy
Witter, Alan Weaver, John Mason and Pat Hanley
have all been working on restorations and I'm sure
they will all be well appreciated. We'll also have
some additions in the competition class as new
members are building cars employing our new V8
rules, this will be very interesting and we all are
anticipating how these rules will work out, a true
cut and try.
After passing out restrictor plates we discussed
our schedule. It isn't over yet at Afton from what
we've heard although the reality is that there is no
promoter in place at this time. We can't count it
out, but then again we can't depend upon it
either. This means that our dates originally
booked at the track are in jeopardy so we
brainstormed to come up with ideas to fill out the
schedule. Members expressed some interest in
looking into obtaining a few additional dates and
it's an avenue that we'll explore over the coming
weeks. The main issue with additional dates that
was discussed was our ability to properly support
these dates as many that have been offered involve
a fair amount of travel, and of course, expense. We
decided to make these shows optional for
members that wish to attend, they are as follows:
April 15 @ the Saratoga Auto Museum - Area's
Lost Speedways - this will be a nostalgic look back
at several defunct speedways with videos,
photographs, and memorabilia on display. Guest
speakers include Lew Boyd, Otto Graham, Richard
Parry and John Grady amongst others. Promises
to be an enjoyable time.
May 5 @ the Ten Pin Restaurant in Chittenango,
NY - Chicken Bar-B-Que and antique car show
including race cars. The event is hosted by John
Button, pre-registration can be made by calling
315-687-9964.
June 9 @ Lancaster Speedway - Heroes
Homecoming - Lancaster's Nostalgia Event
including former track champions and drivers as
well as vintage and antique race cars. Information
can be obtained by contacting track owner Jim
Reid @ 716-998-2152.
June 10 @ Wings of Eagles Discovery Center,
Corning NY. The Twin Tiers Vintage Car Club 30th
Annual Fun Meet. Car show, Airplane Museum,
Bar-B-Que, etc. info can be obtained by contacting
Bruce Brucker @ 607-962-6563, we have
registration forms as well forwarded by Bob Ripley
Sr.
July 7 Delta Lake Volunteer Fire Department Car
Show, Rome, NY. Antique cars and stock cars
welcome, contact Guy Ferlo Jr. @ 315-335-3457
for info.
Lastly, we discussed the possibility of obtaining a
few more racing dates/events and appointed a
committee to look into this possibility. We'll have
more information on this as we get into the hows
and whens over the next few weeks. All in all a
very positive meeting with many good ideas
expressed to further enhance our club as we look
forward to another successful season of fun.
After the meeting was adjourned member Rick
Parry related to me that his wife Sharon will be
undergoing an angioplasty on the 20th @ St.
Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica, NY. We'd like to wish
Sharon the very best and pray for a full recovery,
Sharon's great fun and we look forward to seeing
her at the shows this summer.
Happy Easter to all of our members and
supporters. Please check back for updates to our
schedule in the coming weeks.
Our Spring meeting was held at Mike Newell's
residence in Morris, NY on Saturday April 7th. The
main purpose of the meeting was to get members
updated on the upcoming season's schedule and
take stock of everyone's progress through the
winter. Many club members have been busy
building cars and we look forward to their
unveiling at our shows this year. John Clark,
Richard Ackerman, Mike Newell, Larry and Howdy
Witter, Alan Weaver, John Mason and Pat Hanley
have all been working on restorations and I'm sure
they will all be well appreciated. We'll also have
some additions in the competition class as new
members are building cars employing our new V8
rules, this will be very interesting and we all are
anticipating how these rules will work out, a true
cut and try.
After passing out restrictor plates we discussed
our schedule. It isn't over yet at Afton from what
we've heard although the reality is that there is no
promoter in place at this time. We can't count it
out, but then again we can't depend upon it
either. This means that our dates originally
booked at the track are in jeopardy so we
brainstormed to come up with ideas to fill out the
schedule. Members expressed some interest in
looking into obtaining a few additional dates and
it's an avenue that we'll explore over the coming
weeks. The main issue with additional dates that
was discussed was our ability to properly support
these dates as many that have been offered involve
a fair amount of travel, and of course, expense. We
decided to make these shows optional for
members that wish to attend, they are as follows:
April 15 @ the Saratoga Auto Museum - Area's
Lost Speedways - this will be a nostalgic look back
at several defunct speedways with videos,
photographs, and memorabilia on display. Guest
speakers include Lew Boyd, Otto Graham, Richard
Parry and John Grady amongst others. Promises
to be an enjoyable time.
May 5 @ the Ten Pin Restaurant in Chittenango,
NY - Chicken Bar-B-Que and antique car show
including race cars. The event is hosted by John
Button, pre-registration can be made by calling
315-687-9964.
June 9 @ Lancaster Speedway - Heroes
Homecoming - Lancaster's Nostalgia Event
including former track champions and drivers as
well as vintage and antique race cars. Information
can be obtained by contacting track owner Jim
Reid @ 716-998-2152.
June 10 @ Wings of Eagles Discovery Center,
Corning NY. The Twin Tiers Vintage Car Club 30th
Annual Fun Meet. Car show, Airplane Museum,
Bar-B-Que, etc. info can be obtained by contacting
Bruce Brucker @ 607-962-6563, we have
registration forms as well forwarded by Bob Ripley
Sr.
July 7 Delta Lake Volunteer Fire Department Car
Show, Rome, NY. Antique cars and stock cars
welcome, contact Guy Ferlo Jr. @ 315-335-3457
for info.
Lastly, we discussed the possibility of obtaining a
few more racing dates/events and appointed a
committee to look into this possibility. We'll have
more information on this as we get into the hows
and whens over the next few weeks. All in all a
very positive meeting with many good ideas
expressed to further enhance our club as we look
forward to another successful season of fun.
After the meeting was adjourned member Rick
Parry related to me that his wife Sharon will be
undergoing an angioplasty on the 20th @ St.
Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica, NY. We'd like to wish
Sharon the very best and pray for a full recovery,
Sharon's great fun and we look forward to seeing
her at the shows this summer.
Happy Easter to all of our members and
supporters. Please check back for updates to our
schedule in the coming weeks.
Update 4/15/07
Time to correct an over-site on my part and offer thanks and kudos to member Alan Tatich
for all of his work on our restrictor plates. Alan related that former member Wade
Camenga and Steve Bankus also played major roles in completing the plates which are
very nicely done and should do the trick of keeping all of our members competitive in the
coming season. Thanks to all of you for your efforts.
Received this e-mail in relation to the Kingston Speedway Reunion from Rob Clarke:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 12 2007
Kingston Speedway Reunion - June 16th and 17th, 2007
In an era when it seemed like every small town across the country had a stock car track
Kingston, Ontario (CANADA) was no different. The area north of the city - specifically
McAdoo's Lane - dotted by a series of gravel pits and automotive graveyards was home to a
quarter-mile dirt oval known as Kingston Speedway.
Operating under the direction of a variety of owners, the track was a Friday night
gathering ground from 1951 to 1976. Fans watched drivers from as far away as
Watertown and Massena, New York. Brockville, Cornwall, Ottawa and Belleville battle
racers like Woody Van Order, Tony Blake and Walter Pennock from their own backyards
and become names on the front page of the local sports section.
As times and technology changed, so did the definition of the hometown racetrack. By
the early 70's, owners and drivers started looking to professional racecar builders in
Canada and the U.S. to supply their equipment - instead of building stock cars in their
home garage with a collection of parts they'd either found at the local auto wreckers or
made themselves. With Doug Carlyle crowned as the headline modified division's track
champion, Kingston Speedway closed forever in September of 1976.
Former track competitor Rob Clark - along with Chris Hegarty and his brothers Tim and
Brian - sons of former track official Pat Hegarty will bring the track back to life at the first
ever Kingston Speedway Reunion, part of the ACCCC Odessa Fairgrounds Car and Flea
Market Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th 2007. Rob and Chris are hoping to
have a full field of vintage racecars and an array of track memorabilia on display
throughout the weekend. Push, pull or drag your Kingston Speedway racecar to the
Odessa Fairgrounds. Dust off your old photo album and spend some time bench racing
with former Kingston Speedway racers, crew members, officials and fans.
Rob Clark and Chris Hegarty say they were amazed to learn how many of the track's
former racecars and drivers are still around. Clark's web-site
www.carkatz.com receives messages of support daily, as well as Kingston Speedway
photographs from racefans who've dug deep into their personal collections.
Don't miss your chance to re-live history at the first ever Kingston Speedway Reunion,
Saturday and Sunday June 16th and 17th 2007 as part of the ACCCC Odessa
Fairgrounds Car and Flea Market in Odessa, Ontario (CANADA). For additional
information, see www.carkatz.com, e-mail
robclark@i-zoom.net or 'GOOGLE' Kingston Speedway Reunion.
Photo attachment: Z28 Norm Davey 1974 Track Champion
Photo by: Vi Perry Source: Clarke Motorsports Communications Collection
Prepared by: Jim Clarke Clarke Motorsports Communications
613 968 6410 / 613 922 0654
Contact Rob Clark: 705 359 1275
for all of his work on our restrictor plates. Alan related that former member Wade
Camenga and Steve Bankus also played major roles in completing the plates which are
very nicely done and should do the trick of keeping all of our members competitive in the
coming season. Thanks to all of you for your efforts.
Received this e-mail in relation to the Kingston Speedway Reunion from Rob Clarke:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 12 2007
Kingston Speedway Reunion - June 16th and 17th, 2007
In an era when it seemed like every small town across the country had a stock car track
Kingston, Ontario (CANADA) was no different. The area north of the city - specifically
McAdoo's Lane - dotted by a series of gravel pits and automotive graveyards was home to a
quarter-mile dirt oval known as Kingston Speedway.
Operating under the direction of a variety of owners, the track was a Friday night
gathering ground from 1951 to 1976. Fans watched drivers from as far away as
Watertown and Massena, New York. Brockville, Cornwall, Ottawa and Belleville battle
racers like Woody Van Order, Tony Blake and Walter Pennock from their own backyards
and become names on the front page of the local sports section.
As times and technology changed, so did the definition of the hometown racetrack. By
the early 70's, owners and drivers started looking to professional racecar builders in
Canada and the U.S. to supply their equipment - instead of building stock cars in their
home garage with a collection of parts they'd either found at the local auto wreckers or
made themselves. With Doug Carlyle crowned as the headline modified division's track
champion, Kingston Speedway closed forever in September of 1976.
Former track competitor Rob Clark - along with Chris Hegarty and his brothers Tim and
Brian - sons of former track official Pat Hegarty will bring the track back to life at the first
ever Kingston Speedway Reunion, part of the ACCCC Odessa Fairgrounds Car and Flea
Market Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th 2007. Rob and Chris are hoping to
have a full field of vintage racecars and an array of track memorabilia on display
throughout the weekend. Push, pull or drag your Kingston Speedway racecar to the
Odessa Fairgrounds. Dust off your old photo album and spend some time bench racing
with former Kingston Speedway racers, crew members, officials and fans.
Rob Clark and Chris Hegarty say they were amazed to learn how many of the track's
former racecars and drivers are still around. Clark's web-site
www.carkatz.com receives messages of support daily, as well as Kingston Speedway
photographs from racefans who've dug deep into their personal collections.
Don't miss your chance to re-live history at the first ever Kingston Speedway Reunion,
Saturday and Sunday June 16th and 17th 2007 as part of the ACCCC Odessa
Fairgrounds Car and Flea Market in Odessa, Ontario (CANADA). For additional
information, see www.carkatz.com, e-mail
robclark@i-zoom.net or 'GOOGLE' Kingston Speedway Reunion.
Photo attachment: Z28 Norm Davey 1974 Track Champion
Photo by: Vi Perry Source: Clarke Motorsports Communications Collection
Prepared by: Jim Clarke Clarke Motorsports Communications
613 968 6410 / 613 922 0654
Contact Rob Clark: 705 359 1275
